The Disappearance of Kelly Phillips

Name: Kelly Lee Phillips
Age: 69 years old
Last Seen: August 24, 2021
Location: Grangeville, Idaho
Status: Still missing

Case Information

69 year old Kelly Phillips was last seen in Grangeville, Idaho on August 24, 2021. He disappeared after telling some friends he would be camping in the Newsome Creek area.

Disappearance

Kelly Phillips was last known to be at his home in Grangeville, Idaho on August 24, 2021.

The day prior, Kelly spoke to friends over the phone and told them he was headed out to the Newsome Creek area to go camping, about 50 miles east of Grangeville. Kelly was familiar with the area and had spent a lot of time mining there.

On September 7, 2021, a friend reported Kelly missing to the Idaho County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigation

Kelly’s vehicle, a white 1991 Toyota pickup truck, was located at 45° 49′ 23″ N latitude and 115° 38′ 05″ W longitude, a location just off State Highway 14, near Fall Creek at milepost 35.2. 

Police found a notepad inside the cab of the truck, indicating he had mechanical problems. His keys were located under the notebook.

Numerous searches of the area turned up no further clues as to his whereabouts.

Witnesses saw Kelly’s vehicle parked in that spot on August 23 and August 24 with the hood up, but there were no reports of anyone giving him a ride. 

Upon interviewing more of Kelly’s friends, authorities learned that he was in very poor health, to the point of not being able to eat any longer. He told a friend ‘sand in my hourglass is running out,’ and had written a letter to family saying that he was at the end of his days.

He had been giving away his personal possession prior to his disappearance, and had sent his grandson bits of gold he had mined.

It is now believed that Kelly went to that area to end his life.

Appearance

White male with partially grey hair and green eyes. Kelly stands 5’11 tall and weighs 170 pounds. He had a mustache at the time of his disappearance.

Investigating Agency

If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Kelly Phillips please contact the Idaho County Sheriff’s Office at (208) 983-1100.

Resources & Further Information

Kelly Lee Phillips – NamUs
Missing Man Presumed to Have Ended Own Life – Idaho County Free Press
Missing, Terminal Idaho Man Likely Went to Woods To End His Life – 983 The Snake