Michael Allen Dillard
Physical Description
Height: 5 feet 5 inches
Weight: Approximately 133 pounds
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Hazel
Race/Ethnicity: White / Caucasian
Distinctive Features:
Scar above his left eye
Quarter-sized scar on the top of his right hand
Scars on his arms
Wore eyeglasses (but left them behind)
Clothing and Accessories
Clothing Worn: Rust-colored or orange jacket, maroon t-shirt, black tank top, blue jeans
Footwear: Red Nike shoes
Accessories: Black and red Deadpool socks and a silver cross necklace on a dog tag-style chain
Michael Allen Dillard was just 15 years old when he disappeared from his home in Calvin, West Virginia. That afternoon, after helping his mom carry wood pellets into the house, Michael unexpectedly took off into the woods behind their property. He was never seen again.
Michael had been working hard to rebuild his life after spending nearly a year at a residential treatment center for teenagers. His family described him as funny, sweet, and making real progress, even after facing challenges with depression. Just two days before he vanished, he told his sister he was having “the best day of his life.”
There were possible reports of Michael being seen later that same day, walking along Tioga Road in Craigsville between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m., but no sighting was ever confirmed. That evening, a strong winter storm swept through, bringing freezing rain, heavy fog, and dangerously cold temperatures that dropped to 22 degrees below zero.
Search teams combed the area for weeks, using helicopters, bloodhounds, dive teams, and volunteers. About a week and a half later, Michael’s orange jacket was found roughly 300 yards from his home. Other than that, there has been no sign of him. His cell phone and glasses — things he normally wouldn't leave behind — were still at the house when he went missing.
Michael’s family has never stopped searching for answers.
What You Can Do
If you have any information about the disappearance of Michael Allen Dillard, please contact the West Virginia State Police at (304) 256-6700.
Michael is listed in the NamUs database under case number MP42061.
Michael’s story still matters. Even the smallest piece of information could help give his family the answers they’ve been waiting for.