YouTube Personality Hobo Shoestring Missing: Tennessee Authorities Issue Silver Alert
The disappearance of Mark Nichols, widely known as Hobo Shoestring, has sparked concern among his family, friends, and followers. The 53-year-old YouTube personality, famous for his videos documenting his adventures riding freight trains, was last seen at his residence in Johnson City, Tennessee, on Wednesday, March 27, 2024.
Hobo Shoestring Missing Update
According to reports from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the Johnson City Police Department (JCPD), Nichols, who suffers from serious health problems, had just returned home around 4:00 a.m. on the morning of his disappearance after a visit to the emergency room. He was reportedly experiencing hallucinations and an altered mental state.
Nichols, legally blind and extremely hard of hearing, was last observed on a neighbor’s Ring doorbell camera entering his townhouse at 7:02 a.m. on March 27th. Despite his health challenges, he is known to be an avid train rider and is reported to have left his legally prescribed medications and riding equipment at home.
***MISSING ENDANGERED ADULT*** JOHNSON CITY, TN
The Johnson City Police Department is attempting to locate a missing 53-year-old male. Mark Nichols was last seen on a neighbor’s ring doorbell camera entering his townhouse in Johnson City, TN on March 27th, 2024, at 7:02 a.m. Mark… pic.twitter.com/sXs1XHv7fs— The AWARE Foundation (@aware_the) March 30, 2024
Described as 6’01” tall, 165 lbs., with blue eyes and brown hair, Nichols is recognizable by his distinctive appearance, which includes a long gray and white beard that reaches chest length. He is missing his pinkie and ring fingers on his left hand due to an accident in 2017.
The TBI has issued a Silver Alert for Nichols, emphasizing his medical conditions that may impair his ability to return home safely. Nichols is known to frequent trains, adding complexity to the search efforts.
In their appeal to the community, both the JCPD and the TBI have urged anyone with information about Nichols’ whereabouts to come forward. Individuals can contact the JCPD at 423-434-6125 or reach out to the TBI directly at 1-800-TBI-FIND.
Nichols’ disappearance has left his family members in great distress, particularly due to his vulnerability and the uncertainty surrounding his whereabouts. As authorities continue their search efforts, the community is urged to remain vigilant and report any sightings or relevant information that may aid in locating Hobo Shoestring and ensuring his safe return.