The Disappearance of Ian Burnet

Name: Ian Hunter Burnet
Age: 22 years old
Last Seen: December 30, 2011
Location: New York, New York
Status: Still missing

Case Information

22 year old Ian Burnet was last seen in New York, New York on December 30, 2011. He disappeared while on a trip visiting friends in the city.

Background

At the time of his disappearance, Ian was a senior engineering, mathematics & physics major at Virginia Commonwealth University. He was the valedictorian of his high school class in 2008, and got a full scholarship to study engineering in college.

Ian had a history of depression, and had attempted suicide once in the past.

Disappearance

On December 26, 2011, Ian Burnet left his home in Richmond, Virginia and took a bus to New York City to stay with friends. He was staying in an apartment they rented located in the area of 139th Street and Riverside Drive. 

His last contact with his parents was through text on December 28, 2001.

Around 4:00 pm on December 30, 2001, he texted with his roommate in Virginia, talking about his plans to return after New Years. He also made plans to hang out when he was back home on January 2.

His last known communication was later that evening, when he sent text messages to the two women he was staying with in Harlem, Manhattan. According to the women, Ian mentioned that he was stepping out for the evening. He hasn’t been seen or heard from since.

According to loved ones, Ian had lived on his own for years and had no reason to simply run away.

Investigation

Ian left his iPhone behind at his friend’s apartment, but did have his driver’s license and credit cards with him when he disappeared.

Ian’s MetroCard (that is believed to have been purchased the same day) was used at the 145th Street station to take a northbound train on December 30th. It’s unknown whether surveillance video was able to capture him using it.

Appearance

White male with brown hair and green eyes. Ian stands 5’8-5’10 tall and weighs 130-160 pounds. He has curly hair.

Clothing & Accessories:
It is believed Ian was last wearing a navy blue Nike windbreaker jacket over a grey Wikipedia hoodie.

Investigating Agency

If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Ian Burnet please contact the New Kent County Sheriff’s Office at (804) 966-9500, or the New York Police Department at (212) 690-8842.

Agency case number 2012-000230

Resources & Further Information

Ian Hunter Burnet – NamUs
Ian Hunter Burnet – The Charley Project
Virginia College Student Never Returned From New York Holiday – CNN
Missing Tourist’s MetroCard Shows He Entered Northbound No. 1 Train Station – NBC
Faceook & Reddit Assist Search For Missing 22 Year Old Ian Burnet – CBS