Name: Jerry Ross Cottingham
Age: 54 years old
Last Seen: June 23, 2016
Location: Ponca City, Oklahoma
Status: Still missing
Case Information
54 year old Jerry Cottingham was last seen in Ponca City, Oklahoma on June 23, 2016. He was last seen at the Osage Casino, east of Ponca City.
Background
At the time of his disappearance, Jerry was living on his mother’s property in Kildare, Oklahoma.
Disappearance
On the evening of June 23, 2016, Jerry Cottingham was dropped off at the Sinclair gas station located across the street from the Osage Casino on Highway 60, just east of Ponca City, Oklahoma.
Jerry went to the casino that night after receiving his disability check, and never returned home. His daughter reported him missing the following day.
Investigation
Police searched Garfield Park and Alma Avenue, two places Jerry was known to frequent, but found no further clues as to his whereabouts.
Officials were able to determine that Jerry’s disability check was never cashed. It is unknown if they obtained surveillance footage from the casino.
Jerry’s older brother, Ben Cottingham Sr., says it’s unlike his brother to be out of contact with him or his mother for this long.
“Someone knows something or took him somewhere,” Ben Cottingham told Osage News. “He was legally blind and did not drive. I want him to know if he is out there he can call me and I won’t tell anyone if he doesn’t want to be found. I just want to know he is alright.”
Several rumors have circulated about what happened to Jerry over the years. One person says Jerry hit it big at the casino that night and was seen leaving with two men. Another story claims Jerry was last seen walking with two men towards the Arkansas River Bridge, about a half mile west from the casino. Neither story has been verified.
Appearance
American Indian male enrolled with The Osage Nation. Jerry has black/grey hair, brown eyes, stands 6’2 tall, and weighs 200 pounds. He is legally blind and wears eyeglasses.
Jerry has a scar above his right eye, a 1 inch scar on his right hand, and a 2 inch scar on his right hip.
Clothing & Accessories:
Jerry was last seen wearing a red shirt, blue jeans, white tennis shoes, and eyeglasses.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Jerry Cottingham please contact the Ponca City Police Department at (580) 767-0376, or the Osage Nation Police Department at (918) 287-5510.
Resources & Further Information
Jerry Ross Cottingham – NamUs
Osage Man Missing, Last Seen in Kay County – Osage News
Nine Years Missing: Family of Jerry Ross Cottingham Still Seeking Answers – Osage News
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