She froze mid-motion, nearly stopping in her tracks as she registered the voice on the other end of the line. Her eyes widened in shock, and without saying a word, she gestured urgently for her husband to join her. The voice on the line belonged to a man who introduced himself with unexpected news—her son, David, was in North Korea.
It felt unreal; David had been missing for seven years, a painful absence that had left the family with endless questions and little hope. She struggled to comprehend the words, her mind racing with disbelief. Could this really be true? After so many years, this phone call seemed both impossible and miraculous, stirring a mix of hope and dread.
A Life of Exploration and Cultural Curiosity
David Sneddon, a student from Brigham Young University, embraced life fully and had an insatiable curiosity about the world around him. As an American eager to learn about diverse cultures, he saw each new destination as an opportunity to grow and connect with people from different backgrounds. In 2004, he decided to embark on an adventure to China, excited about immersing himself in its rich history and vibrant landscapes.
Having previously traveled to South Korea, David felt confident navigating this new part of Asia. Yet, despite his experience and enthusiasm, he was unprepared for the unexpected events awaiting him—a journey that would veer far from anything he could have anticipated and change his life in unimaginable ways.
The Unsolved Mystery of David’s Disappearance
David had just completed his coursework when he decided to explore a few popular tourist destinations in southeastern China before returning home. “He said he was going to take a look around some touristy spots,” his father, Roy, told The Washington Post. However, what was meant to be a brief adventure quickly turned into a troubling mystery.
David vanished without a trace, and despite extensive searches, government involvement, and countless efforts, no one was able to uncover what had happened to him. His disappearance left authorities and his family baffled, as each potential lead faded into uncertainty. The unresolved case became a haunting mystery, with questions that have remained unanswered for years.
An Eerie Sign of What Was to Come
In a lighthearted email to his mother, David shared his enthusiasm for his upcoming adventure, saying he was “pumped to do some hard-core traveling.” Though he only had three weeks, he planned to make the most of every moment, eager to explore as much as he could. He joked, “If you never hear from me again, look for my body in the western Yunnan Province of China or the Yellow Mountains of Anhui. Just kidding.
No, I’m really so excited.” His playful tone masked any hint of danger, yet this cheerful message would come to feel unsettling in hindsight—a subtle foreshadowing of the unforeseen events that would soon unfold and turn his journey into a haunting mystery.
Embarking on the Next Adventure
On Thursday, August 5, David arrived in the scenic town of Yangshuo, known for its stunning views by the Li River. He wasn’t alone; his roommate, George Bailey, had joined him for a few days to take in the area’s beauty together. The two explored Yangshuo’s paradise-like surroundings, hiking and biking through its picturesque landscapes, savoring each moment of adventure.
After a few days, they planned to part ways—George to meet up with other friends, while David set his sights on traveling westward to Yunnan Province. It was an exciting journey filled with promise, yet this would be the last time the two friends shared an adventure before the mysterious events that lay ahead.
The Final Farewell
On an early Monday morning, David hurried to catch his bus, eager to continue his journey. George, still groggy, watched his friend rushing out the door, barely catching a glimpse before David disappeared down the hallway. With a quick shout, George called out his goodbyes, and David replied with a cheerful, “See you in Provo,” before vanishing from sight.
These would be David’s last words to his friend, though George couldn’t have known that at the time. It was a simple farewell, filled with the promise of reuniting back home, yet it would become a haunting memory—the final goodbye before David’s fate turned into an enduring mystery.
The Silence That Sparked Worry
Out of the blue, David’s family stopped receiving his usual emails, though they initially brushed it off as a minor concern. They assumed he was fully immersed in his travels, maybe unable to find time to update them or struggling with limited signal in the remote Chinese mountains. However, when David missed a planned meeting with his older brother Michael in Seoul, their concern deepened.
The missed meeting marked a turning point, turning the family’s casual curiosity into a creeping sense of dread. What had seemed like a brief communication gap now felt unsettling, leaving them with a growing suspicion that something was wrong.
Vanished Without a Trace
David’s final planned adventure led him to Leaping Tiger Gorge, a scenic and rugged trail near the Burmese border. But then, he seemed to disappear entirely—leaving no trace behind, as if he had simply vanished into thin air. The news of his disappearance was delivered to his parents by Chinese officials, who reported that David had gone missing. His family was devastated, struggling to accept the news. Yet, amidst their shock, an unsettling feeling crept in.
Something about the situation felt off, and despite the official reports, his parents couldn’t shake the sense that there was more to David’s disappearance than met the eye.
A Family in Disbelief
According to information from the Chinese government, Kathleen and Roy Sneddon were told that their son, David, had died after an accidental fall along his hiking route. To their heartbreak, officials explained there was no way to recover his body. However, the Sneddons struggled to accept this explanation.
Despite the finality of the officials’ account, something about the story felt unsettlingly incomplete. They couldn’t shake the feeling that David’s fate held deeper mysteries. This suspicion led them to question everything, sensing that there was more to his disappearance than they could ever have imagined.
Details That Don’t Add Up
“There’s no evidence of that—zero,” Kathleen stated firmly, skeptical of the official explanation. If true, David would be “the only American missing in China since World War II whose body has not been found and whose location is unknown.” This fact alone made the story difficult to accept.
As parents of ten children, the Sneddons knew their son well; David was an experienced hiker, unlikely to make a critical error on a relatively easy tourist trail. The story presented by officials didn’t align with what they knew of David’s abilities, raising doubts and fueling their belief that his disappearance held unanswered questions.
The Family’s Search for Answers
Roy Sneddon couldn’t accept the story of his son’s disappearance without investigating it himself. Determined to find answers, he enlisted two of David’s brothers, Michael and James, to accompany him on a search mission. Together, the family traveled to Yunnan, China, hoping to retrace David’s steps and uncover any clues.
Nearly a month after David vanished, they arrived at Leaping Tiger Gorge—the last known location of his journey. Yet, as they scanned the area, they encountered an unsettling sight, one that deepened their suspicions and cast doubt on the official account they’d received. For the Sneddons, this journey marked the beginning of a dedicated, tireless search for truth, driven by the hope of bringing their missing son home.
A Questionable Display of Effort
When Michael and James Sneddon arrived at the hiking trail in Leaping Tiger Gorge, they were met with an unexpected sight. “It was ridiculous,” Michael recalled, as the area was filled with policemen and K-9 units, seemingly staged to impress the brothers with a show of thorough searching. “We just laughed and said thanks,” he added, sensing the performance was more for their benefit than a genuine search for David.
Though they didn’t find David, the brothers stumbled upon something that seemed valuable—a small but significant piece of the puzzle that hinted at a deeper truth behind their brother’s disappearance, renewing their determination to uncover what had really happened.
Uncovering New Clues
While searching at Leaping Tiger Gorge, the Sneddon brothers encountered a tour guide who claimed to have known David personally, saying he had walked alongside him along the entire trail. This unexpected lead was then confirmed by a hostel owner at the trail’s end, who remembered David staying there.
These accounts were more than just rumors—they pointed to David’s successful completion of the trail, raising further questions about his disappearance. If David had indeed reached the end of the hike safely, then what could have happened afterward? Each clue led the Sneddons closer to the truth but deepened the mystery surrounding David’s whereabouts, leaving his family searching for the next piece of the puzzle.
A Family’s Determined Search for Answers
The Sneddon family remained unwavering in their search, holding onto hope that they would find a sign—any sign—that David was still alive. They traveled from town to town, showing photos of David to locals and asking if anyone recognized him.
With each stop, they uncovered more clues confirming that David had indeed passed through the area. In Shangri-La, a café owner recognized him immediately, even able to describe him in detail, yet this was where the promising trail abruptly went cold. Despite this setback, the family’s determination grew stronger, fueling their resolve to uncover what had happened to David after his journey through Yunnan.
Uncertain Witnesses and Unanswered Questions
Witnesses who initially claimed to have seen David—including the café owner in Shangri-La and a Tibetan hiker—later recanted their statements when speaking with Chinese authorities. They told David’s parents they’d seen him, but when it came to formal testimony, they hesitated, refusing to appear as official witnesses for the police.
This sudden change raised troubling questions. Why would these witnesses, once so certain, now backtrack? Fear of repercussions or mistrust in the legal process may have played a role, but their reluctance left the Sneddon family with even fewer answers. The once-promising leads grew murky, adding yet another layer of mystery to David’s case.
A Troubling Silence
Reflecting on their search efforts, Roy Sneddon admitted, “We were, I suppose, naive.” With multiple sightings of David reported, the family felt hopeful when they reached Shangri-La. They believed their information would spark action, saying, “We have all this information they haven’t shared with the police.” However, reality quickly set in. “It became evident they weren’t going to do anything,” Roy explained.
The Korean café where David was reportedly seen sat only about 100 meters from a police station, yet authorities hadn’t investigated for six months. Roy’s unsettling conclusion was clear: “The Chinese police are not incompetent.” But if that were true, why was so little being done? The family’s hope began to clash with an unexplainable silence surrounding David’s case.
A Mother’s Fear and Determination
Kathleen, David’s mother, voiced an even graver concern, revealing that the witnesses were “terrified” of potential consequences if they spoke openly about David. The realization struck hard—David’s parents could no longer rely on the Chinese government’s support in finding their son. Yet, despite this disheartening reality, they refused to abandon their search.
Determined to uncover the truth, they faced the daunting question: without official aid, where could they turn next? The fear surrounding the case only strengthened their resolve, pushing them to explore any path that might bring them closer to finding David, even if it meant navigating this challenging journey alone.
Feeling Helpless but Holding On
In a final attempt to find answers, Roy contacted the U.S. State Department, hoping for support. However, he was met with disheartening news; the department had accepted the Chinese government’s account that David had perished in the Gorge. For the Sneddon family, this was a devastating conclusion.
With no further official help available, Roy and Kathleen felt their hands were tied, left helpless in their search for truth. Yet, despite this setback, they couldn’t abandon hope. They held onto the belief that their son’s story wasn’t over. Then, in 2011—seven years after David’s disappearance—the family received a bizarre call that would reignite their determination and change the course of their search entirely.
An Unsettling Theory Emerges
The unexpected call came from Richard Craft, a North Korea expert and seasoned attorney, with a theory that shocked Kathleen. Based on his research, Craft explained that every detail surrounding David’s disappearance aligned with known patterns of North Korean kidnappings. Craft had studied similar cases extensively, and each clue seemed to fit the profile.
As he laid out his observations, Kathleen struggled to process the possibility—could her son really have been taken by North Korea? It was a theory that defied belief, yet in light of the unexplained details, it also made a strange, unsettling sense. This revelation gave the family a new perspective, opening a door to answers they had never considered.
A Disturbing History of Abductions
North Korea’s government has a documented history of abducting foreign nationals who venture near its borders, especially alarming to nearby countries. The Japanese government has been particularly vocal about these disappearances, as the abductions have been happening since the 1970s.
Many of those taken remain unaccounted for—no trace of their whereabouts or even confirmation of their survival. The victims’ families have been left with haunting uncertainty, caught between hope and despair. For the Sneddons, learning about this history cast a new light on David’s disappearance, suggesting that his case might be linked to a broader, more sinister pattern of abductions by North Korean forces.
Seventeen Victims of North Korean Abductions
In the 1970s and 1980s, numerous Japanese citizens vanished under suspicious circumstances, prompting investigations by the Japanese government. To date, 17 individuals have been officially recognized as victims of North Korean abductions. In a rare breakthrough, five of these individuals were returned home in 2002, yet no word has emerged from the remaining abductees.
Among those still missing is Megumi Takuya, a 13-year-old girl who disappeared in 1977. Her story is particularly tragic, as reports suggest she was forced to serve as a language teacher for a high-ranking North Korean official. The unresolved fates of these abductees have cast a long shadow over families desperate for closure, intensifying fears surrounding similar disappearances.
Kidnapped and Enslaved by North Korea
Many of the abducted Japanese citizens were reportedly forced into lives of servitude, teaching Japanese language and culture to North Korean officials or having their identities stolen for espionage purposes. These individuals were used primarily to aid in North Korean operations targeting South Korea.
In a rare admission in September 2002, North Korea acknowledged these abductions, apologizing and pledging to prevent further kidnappings. Yet, doubts linger about whether this promise was ever truly upheld. Evidence suggests that the practice may have continued, leaving families and governments skeptical and deeply concerned for those still missing, including others who may have met the same fate in silence.
A Wall of Secrecy
When North Korea confessed to abducting 13 Japanese citizens, it allowed five to return home, claiming that the remaining eight had died. The government insisted no additional Japanese nationals had entered its borders. Under pressure, North Korea promised to investigate further, yet no results were ever publicly shared.
This silence has cast a cloud of secrecy over the fate of the missing, leaving families without answers and sparking international suspicion. The lack of transparency has only deepened concerns, fueling doubts about the true scope of these abductions and North Korea’s willingness to reveal the full truth.
The Unanswered Disappearances
Japan claims that North Korea continues to withhold other abducted individuals, fearing the information they could reveal about the regime’s internal structure. Even now, the fate of four Japanese citizens who vanished in the 1970s and 1980s remains shrouded in mystery, with their whereabouts known only to North Korea.
Despite international pressure, there has been no transparency or cooperation from Pyongyang, leaving the families in a state of painful uncertainty. This refusal to release information raises concerns about what these individuals might have witnessed, and it highlights the secrecy with which North Korea guards details of its actions. Sadly, these missing persons remain an unresolved and deeply emotional issue between the two nations.
Charles Jenkins
Before David went missing, another American citizen disappeared and only reemerged years later: US Army Sergeant Charles Jenkins. In 1965, Jenkins vanished while stationed along the Demilitarized Zone in South Korea. It was later discovered that he had defected to North Korea, a choice he would come to regret, driven by fears of deployment to Vietnam.
During his nearly 40-year captivity, Jenkins was forced to teach English to North Korean spies and even appeared in propaganda films. In 1980, he was coerced into marrying Hitomi Soga, a Japanese woman who had also been abducted by North Korea. Jenkins was finally able to leave North Korea in 2004, reuniting with his wife and daughters in Japan. His story serves as a reminder of the harsh conditions in North Korea.
Held in Captivity
Jenkins recalls enduring ten days of intense interrogation before being transferred to a house, where he lived with two other Americans for many years as a captive. He described the harsh conditions, saying, “I suffered from cold, hunger, beatings, and mental torture to the point where I often wished I was dead.” His words reveal the extreme hardships faced by those held in North Korea.
Could David have faced a similar fate? Was he also taken by the North Korean government and subjected to the same brutal treatment? The uncertainty surrounding David’s disappearance leaves many questions unanswered, but Jenkins’ story offers a troubling insight into what may have occurred.
Additional Clues
Kathleen remembers thinking that the idea was absurd. “I just thought it was the most ridiculous thing I’d ever heard,” she said. However, Melanie Kirkpatrick, an expert on North Korea, had a different take. “If you understand North Korea’s history of kidnapping foreign nationals, it doesn’t seem so outrageous,” she argued.
This perspective sheds new light on David’s disappearance. Could he have been one of those abducted by the North Korean regime? Where could he be now, if that were true? The questions about his fate only grow more pressing, and North Korea’s track record suggests that the theory, though unsettling, might hold some truth. The mystery of David’s fate remains unsolved, but the evidence points in a worrying direction.
It All Added Up
Melanie examined the available evidence, and suddenly everything seemed to fit together. “We know that North Korean operatives were active in that region [Yunnan] around the same time David was there—with China’s full permission,” she stated, revealing a chilling possibility. Her findings suggested a coordinated operation, backed by China, that could explain David’s sudden disappearance.
But this wasn’t the end of her discoveries. Melanie had gathered even more information that supported her theory, strengthening the case that David might have been a target of North Korea. The pieces were starting to fall into place, raising serious questions about what truly happened to David during his time in China.
Taken Away
In 2013, Melanie was informed by Japanese politician Keiji Furuya, who stated, “It is most probable that a U.S. national has been abducted to North Korea.” At that time, this statement seemed more like speculation than fact. However, in 2016, a key piece of evidence surfaced that changed everything. An informant came forward with new information, which was brought to light by a South Korean organization specializing in North Korean abductions.
This organization, known for its extensive work on such cases, regarded this information as highly significant. It bolstered the possibility that David had indeed been taken by North Korean operatives, making the abduction theory far more believable and shifting it closer to a chilling reality.
Bold Allegations
Reports from within Japan made startling allegations about David’s fate, suggesting that he was abducted by North Korean officials and coerced into teaching English to Kim Jong-un, the infamous North Korean leader. These claims, though surprising, were supported by Choi Sung-Yong, the head of the Abductees’ Family Union in Seoul, adding weight to the theory.
The idea of David being used as an English tutor for Kim Jong-un was difficult to believe, but the backing from Choi gave it a degree of credibility. Could these shocking claims really be true? The possibility remained unsettling, with David’s disappearance surrounded by mysterious and perplexing narratives that only deepened the intrigue.
A New Identity
Sung-Yong revealed further details, claiming that David had adopted a new identity in North Korea, now going by the name Yoon Bong Soo. Additionally, Sung-Yong stated that David had married a woman named Kim Eun Hye.
This revelation led to even more questions—could this be the reason why David remained untraceable for so long? Had he integrated into North Korean society to the extent that he was effectively unreachable? The notion of David “going native” in North Korea was unsettling, but it offered a potential explanation for his disappearance. David’s mother, reflecting on this after a conversation with Sung-Yong, expressed mixed emotions about the possibility, torn between disbelief and the hope of any news about her missing son.
Part of Their Strategy
Kathleen explained, “It should be emphasized that this is part of North Korea’s strategy. If they capture you, they’ll provide you with a wife, you’ll have children, and eventually, you’ll settle in and start to adapt—maybe even enjoy life there. That’s when they expect you to give them your best.” Despite the dire situation, Kathleen and her family held on to hope.
“In our hearts, we believe he’s alive. We think he’s probably teaching English. That seems like the most likely role for him.” However, there was a significant issue with this theory, something that cast doubt on the hopeful belief that David might be alive and simply assimilated into North Korean society.
Not Entirely Certain
Sung-Yong’s information came with a warning—he admitted he was only about 50% sure of its accuracy. This uncertainty left David’s family in a difficult position. “To us, the ideas are not new,” Roy Sneddon commented, acknowledging that they had heard similar theories before. David’s mother added, “We have no proof that it’s reliable, to be honest.
” This meant they couldn’t fully trust Sung-Yong’s claims, despite the apparent coincidences and North Korea’s documented history of abductions. It remained just a hypothesis, and without solid evidence, there was no definitive answer about David’s fate. The family continued to wait, hopeful that one day new information would emerge to clarify what had really happened.
Only a Possibility
David’s parents knew they couldn’t let themselves get too hopeful, only to be crushed if the information about their son turned out to be false. It was merely another possibility, and they needed to wait for more substantial evidence. They had been through this cycle of hope and disappointment before, and they understood how fragile these leads could be.
But beyond the uncertainty of the information from Sung-Yong, there was yet another complication—something that involved the Japanese government. This factor added an entirely new layer of complexity to an already confusing situation, making it even harder for the family to grasp the truth of what happened to David.
Hidden Agendas
There were officials in Washington who suspected that the Japanese government might have had ulterior motives concerning David, the missing U.S. citizen. They believed that the efforts made by Seoul’s Abductees’ Family Union to bring attention to David’s disappearance were not purely out of concern for his fate.
Instead, they suspected that the focus on David was a strategic move. By drawing the United States’ attention to a possible American abductee, they hoped to gain U.S. involvement, which might also benefit the cause of rescuing abducted Japanese citizens. This theory suggested that David’s case was being used as a political tool, adding even more uncertainty and complexity to the already murky situation surrounding his disappearance.
Not Considered Credible
The U.S. State Department stated that all the evidence gathered in David’s case was purely circumstantial and didn’t lead to any definite conclusions. They made it clear that there was “no credible information to substantiate the idea that he has been abducted.
” For David’s parents, this meant remaining in the dark, with no clarity about what had truly happened to their son. Without concrete proof, they could do little but hope for new information to surface. The uncertainty was emotionally draining, leaving them unsure of what steps to take next. Until more credible evidence emerged, they were left with questions and a painful lack of answers about David’s fate.
Alternative Theories
The Sneddon family found themselves clinging to evidence that seemed convincing enough for them to believe that David’s disappearance was connected to North Korea. Roy Sneddon expressed his initial thought: “I think they [North Koreans] mistook him for someone who was trying to help North Koreans escape.
” This scenario would have placed David in grave danger, making his situation potentially dire. The possibility that David was mistaken for someone aiding defectors was unsettling, and it added a new dimension to their fears. Though they lacked concrete proof, the theory seemed to align with what they knew about North Korea’s strict policies regarding outsiders and defectors, painting a bleak picture of what David could have faced.
Relentless Hope
The Sneddons refused to abandon the search for their missing son. Instead, they decided to push forward, seeking assistance from the U.S. government, specifically through the House of Representatives. In June 2017, Utah Senator Mike Lee and Representative Chris Stewart, who had remained in contact with the Sneddons, appealed to the U.S. president, asking for efforts to uncover definitive answers about David’s fate.
Their plea was an attempt to gain more clarity on what had happened to him. The Sneddon family’s persistence and hope drove them to continue advocating and pushing for action, despite the overwhelming uncertainty and limited progress in finding their son. Their determination was unwavering, even as the search dragged on.
Seeking Solace
While the Sneddons waited and hoped for a breakthrough in David’s case, they found comfort in whatever small sources of hope they could. Kathleen Sneddon expressed a sense of purpose amid the uncertainty, saying, “If my son has a part in helping North Koreans have a normal life in any way, I would just be thrilled.
” Despite this hopeful thought, the family was still haunted day and night by one lingering question: would they ever hear from David again? The uncertainty weighed heavily on them, but finding solace in believing that David might be helping others gave them a sense of meaning during an otherwise dark and painful journey.
Longing for Answers
“I want an answer to what happened,” says Jenny Sneddon Reuel, David’s younger sister. “I lost a confidant and a best friend. That longing never goes away.” Jenny explained how deeply she missed her brother, describing moments when something as simple as a song would bring memories of David flooding back.
Despite the years that had passed, her desire for closure remained as strong as ever. In 2019, Katina Adams, a spokesperson for the State Department, addressed the case after discussions with officials from Japan, South Korea, and North Korea. Her statement offered little solace to the Sneddon family, but it was a sign that the search for answers was still ongoing, even if progress remained slow and uncertain.
Adams’ Statement
Katina Adams, speaking on behalf of the State Department, provided an update regarding David Sneddon. “While we did not receive an official response, the DPRK government publicly denied claims that Mr. Sneddon is living in Pyongyang,” she explained.
Adams further stated, “Thus far, we have not been able to verify any information suggesting that David Sneddon was abducted from China by North Korean officials or is alive in North Korea, but we will continue our efforts to search for any verifiable information.” Despite the lack of concrete evidence, Adams emphasized that the search for truth was ongoing, indicating that the U.S. government had not abandoned its efforts to uncover David’s fate.
Is Anyone Listening?
Bailey, David’s friend who had traveled with him through China, acknowledged the bigger picture, saying, “We understand this might not be the top American priority. The denuclearization talks are obviously crucial.” Despite this, Bailey expressed his worry that David’s case would be ignored. “If Trump is going to meet with Kim Jong Un, there’s a real question as to whether he will mention it at all,” Bailey continued.
He voiced doubt about whether David’s situation was even on the radar of those in power. “No one knows if Trump has heard about this case. I’m not sure if people even care.” The uncertainty left the Sneddon family feeling unsupported, questioning if their fight for answers would ever reach those who could help.
Lack of Public Acknowledgment
During his presidency, Donald Trump did not publicly address David Sneddon’s disappearance. Similarly, President Joe Biden has not made any public statements regarding this case. However, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has noted recent discussions with President Biden, during which Biden expressed support for resolving the abductions of Japanese citizens by North Korea.
This indicates a willingness to engage on abduction issues, though it remains uncertain whether President Biden will specifically address David Sneddon’s case in the future. The Sneddon family continues to hope for official recognition and action concerning David’s disappearance.
Still Waiting for Answers
In the meantime, David’s family continues to wait for any news or updates on his disappearance. “I still don’t have an answer to what happened to my brother,” said his sister, expressing her lingering uncertainty. Despite the lack of verifiable evidence, she questioned the absence of any physical trace of David.
“Why was there no body, no clothes, no sign at all?” she wondered aloud. “Even if someone showed me a T-shirt, that would mean something.” The lack of closure leaves the family grappling with unanswered questions, and they hold on to the hope that even the smallest clue could eventually emerge, providing some comfort and understanding of David’s fate.
