Barbara Thomason
Physical Description
Height: 5'2"
Weight: 180 pounds
Hair Color: Gray
Eye Color: Blue
Clothing Last Seen Wearing:
Blue jacket
Virginia Tech t-shirt
Blue jeans
Sneakers
Medical Information: Barbara is considered a dependent adult and may have needed assistance
Barbara Thomason was last seen on September 26, 2011, in Princeton, West Virginia. That morning, she was completing her usual chores at the Southern Highlands Community Mental Health Center, where she had been a longtime patient. Around 11:10 a.m., she was spotted near Princeton Community Hospital, but after that, she seemed to vanish without a trace.
In the months following her disappearance, there were reported sightings of Barbara in nearby areas like Bluefield, Welch, and Tazewell, but none could be confirmed. Despite search efforts and passing years, her whereabouts remain unknown, and her case is still open.
Barbara's loved ones and community continue to hope for answers.
What You Can Do
If you have any information about the disappearance of Barbara Thomason, please contact the Princeton Police Department at (304) 487-5000.
Barbara is listed in the NamUs database under case number MP37527.
Even after all these years, Barbara’s story matters. Every piece of information, no matter how small, could make a difference.
Behind the Scenes of the Project
On March 16, 2025, a FOIA request was submitted to the Princeton Police Department regarding the disappearance of Barbara Thomason. The very next day, we received a prompt and courteous email from the department’s FOIA officer, informing us that records would likely be available by March 31. We responded with our thanks and appreciation.
On March 26, the FOIA officer followed up with a phone call to request a brief extension, explaining that additional time was needed to ensure personal information would be properly redacted, a gesture we deeply respect.
The first set of documents was received digitally, with the remainder, including a thumb drive, arriving by mail on April 7. At this time, we are still in the process of reviewing the full set of materials.
So far, the information aligns with what is already publicly known, but thorough review takes time and even what’s familiar can take on new meaning when looked at closely. We remain grateful for the Princeton Police Department’s professionalism and transparency throughout this process