Geologist Missing 3 Years in Vast Arizona Desert
Daniel Robinson, a 24-year-old geologist, disappeared under baffling circumstances in the Arizona desert, leaving behind a mystery that has haunted his family and captivated the public. Despite tireless efforts by his father, David Robinson, and growing attention on missing persons cases, Daniel's whereabouts remain unknown, leaving a painful void in the lives of those who love him.
The Day He Disappeared
On June 23, 2021, Daniel Robinson was last seen driving away from a remote worksite near Buckeye, Arizona, in his blue Jeep Renegade. That day, he met pump technician Ken Elliott for the first time to inspect a well. While waiting for a passing rainstorm to clear, Elliott observed unusual behavior from Daniel. He appeared distracted, staring off into the desert, and made an unexpected suggestion to leave work and head to Phoenix to relax. Elliott brushed off the idea, reminding Daniel they had a job to do. Shortly after, Daniel got into his Jeep and drove off without explanation. Instead of taking the eastbound main access road, he was last seen headed west, deeper into the empty expanse of the desert.
A month later, his vehicle was found overturned in a ravine, its airbags deployed, and Daniel's belongings, including his wallet, keys, laptop, and phone, left behind. But there was no sign of Daniel himself. Investigators initially struggled to determine whether foul play or voluntary disappearance was involved.
Daniel is described as 5'8" tall with a slender build, weighing around 165 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes, with a unique identifying feature — he is missing part of his right arm from below the forearm. This detail remains a key factor in identifying him as the search continues.
A Father's Tireless Search
David Robinson has become the unwavering force behind the search for his son. Traveling from South Carolina to Arizona, he has coordinated searches, raised awareness, and hired private investigators in the quest for answers. Frustrated by what he sees as limited action from law enforcement, David has dedicated himself full-time to uncovering the truth.
"My son out there somewhere ... I'm not going anywhere until we find him," he shared in a recent interview with Dateline, underscoring his unyielding determination to bring Daniel home. His dedication has drawn widespread support and highlighted systemic gaps in resources for missing persons, particularly people of color.
The Clues and Frustrations
The state of Daniel's Jeep only deepened the mystery surrounding his disappearance. Data retrieved from the vehicle's computer indicated multiple crash events following the initial accident, sparking further speculation about what might have occurred. In a 2021 interview with KPNX News, Jeff McGrath, a private investigator and accident reconstruction specialist hired by the Robinson family, called attention to an unusual detail: the Jeep's ignition had been turned on over 46 times after the airbags deployed. Adding to the enigma, the odometer revealed the Jeep had been driven 11 miles after the crash. Despite these findings, forensic analysis has failed to provide definitive answers, and extensive searches of the desert have uncovered no sign of Daniel.
David Robinson tirelessly continues to advocate for his son, maintaining public interest through social media and community events. He hopes Daniel's case will not only lead to answers for his family, but also bring attention to other missing persons cases that often go overlooked.
A Painful Anniversary
Now, three years after Daniel's disappearance, his family's heartbreak endures. David Robinson described the milestones and memories that his son has missed, from birthdays to family gatherings. Yet, he refuses to give up hope, emphasizing the importance of continuing the search and keeping Daniel's story alive in the public consciousness.
Josh Mankiewicz, a podcaster for Dateline and NBC News, revealed in his podcast "Missing in America" that of the more than 400 individuals featured in their reports, over a third are still missing. Daniel's case, kept in the spotlight by his father's relentless efforts, underscores the urgent need for improved resources and greater attention for all missing persons, particularly those at risk of being overlooked.
References: Daniel Robinson vanished 3 years ago. His father still hopes for his safe return | Father travels cross-country to search for son Daniel Robinson missing from Arizona job site since June | Dateline's Missing in America podcast delves into disappearance of geologist Daniel Robinson in Buckeye, Arizona
