Colin Arey was originally from Bucksport, Maine, but in 2010, he lived in Manhattan. That year, he graduated from the Art Institute of New York City after studying fashion design. He was also in a two-plus year relationship with his boyfriend, whom he first met online.
However, four years later, Colin broke up with his boyfriend. Then, by 2017, he was 26-years-old and back in Bucksport – living with his stepfather and siblings. There, he was working as an education technician and substitute teacher at a local elementary school.
Colin also didn’t drive or have any other means of transportation aside from his relatives. So, his strange Disappearance in January 2017 has remained a perplexing mystery.
He last contacted his ex-boyfriend – who was still living in New York – on January 25, 2017 via text message. Apparently, the pair had remained friendly and often talked online.
Colin was also last seen by his stepfather that same month. Apparently, his stepfather dropped him off at the Brewer Auditorium – which was located on Wilson Street in Brewer, Maine. There, Colin was supposed to start a new job working at a Sears department store inside the Bangor Mall.
But, after getting dropped off, Colin was never heard from or seen again. And in the beginning, his family didn’t even realize that he was missing.
When Colin didn’t return home, his family actually thought that he had just moved back to New York City. Then, his grandmother was hospitalized for congestive heart failure, and Colin’s family wasn’t able to get in touch with him. At that point, they grew concerned.
So, a missing person’s report was not filed with the Bucksport Police Department until June 25, 2018 – over a year after Colin went missing.
According to his friends and family, he did not struggle with depression, drugs, or alcohol. Once an investigation was launched, authorities also found that his social media and phone records showed no activity after his disappearance.
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Prior to vanishing, Colin reportedly expressed interest in moving back to New York and was even saving up money to do so. Still, his friends claim that he never made concrete plans.
Most recently, in the investigation, a search effort for Colin was organized by the Colin Arey Search Group – which has been working with local law enforcement. The search took place on April 6, 2024, at 1739 River Road in Bucksport, but what – if anything – came of the search remains unclear.
Authorities have not found any evidence indicating foul play in his disappearance, and the exact circumstances surrounding Colin’s case are unknown.
His loved ones have also continued searching for answers, creating a Facebook page entitled “Missing: Colin Arey” to raise awareness about his disappearance.
Additionally, a GoFundMe with a goal of $10,000 has been created to fund the services of Jenn Dorman, a private detective from Northland Investigation who offered Colin’s loved ones a discounted rate.
“Colin was a young gay man from a rural town, working as an education tech at a local elementary school. He brought joy to the lives of children, sharing his passion for education and creativity,” the fundraiser reads.
“He had a love for fashion, Pokémon GO, and Harry Potter. But most importantly, he had a bright future ahead of him. Now, we need your help to bring him home,” the fundraiser continues.
“We’re raising funds to hire a private detective and cover legal fees, crucial steps in our search for answers. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us closer to finding Colin and bringing peace to his loved ones. Please donate and share this campaign. Together, let’s shine a light on Colin’s disappearance and ensure that he is never forgotten.”
Colin is five foot nine, weighs 240 pounds, and has strawberry-blonde hair and blue eyes. He would be 33 years old today.
If you have any information regarding his disappearance or whereabouts, you are urged to contact the Bucksport Police Department at (207) 469-7951.
