Wrightsville Beach police say missing 19-year-old has been found - WWAYTV3

Robert Augusta Shirah, the 19-year-old whose disappearance from Wrightsville Beach triggered a widespread search, has been located safe. The Wrightsville Beach Police Department confirmed Wednesday that the young man was found on Interstate 140 near the Castle Hayne exit by the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.

A Multi-Agency Search Ends

Shirah had been the subject of an intense search effort since October 18, when he vanished while visiting the North Carolina coast with his family. His parents, Stephen and Mary Shirah of Summerville, South Carolina, had been staying at a home on Sea Oats Lane. According to reports from WWAYTV3, the family last saw Robert the night before his disappearance, noting his absence the following morning.

The search spanned several weeks and included multiple jurisdictions. Investigators traced his movements through surveillance and witness accounts, noting he was seen crossing the Heide Trask Drawbridge at 12:47 a.m. on October 18. Approximately an hour later, at 1:48 a.m., he was spotted near the intersection of Eastwood Road and Racine Drive in Wilmington. While there were additional reports of sightings in areas including Whiteville, Fair Bluff, and Myrtle Beach, authorities had previously cautioned that those accounts remained unconfirmed.

The Human and Economic Stakes of Missing Persons Cases

The Shirah family had offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to his safe return.

The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, alongside the Wrightsville Beach Police Department, coordinated with various regional agencies across North and South Carolina to process incoming tips and verify potential sightings.

Wrightsville Beach police thanked the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office and other local, regional and state agencies in North Carolina and South Carolina that assisted in the search.

Moving Forward

Following the confirmation that he was found, the Wrightsville Beach Police Department stated that the family has been notified and is in the process of reuniting with Robert. The case involves the tracking of a missing person who was located on Interstate 140. As of Wednesday afternoon, no further details regarding the circumstances of his time away have been released by officials, who remain focused on the family’s reunification.