Left: Bratcher, age 5 (circa 1972, two years before his disappearance);
Right: Age-progression to age 38 (circa 2005)
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Missing Since: June 15, 1974 from Ocean Shores, Washington Classification: Endangered Missing Date Of Birth: May 1, 1967 Age: 7 years old Height and Weight: 3'9, 45 pounds Distinguishing Characteristics: Caucasian male. Sandy brown hair, brown eyes. Clothing/Jewelry Description: A sailor's cap and plaid pants.
Details of Disappearance
Bratcher was visiting his father and stepmother in Ocean Shores, Washington on June 15, 1974. His mother in Texas had custody of him at the time, and had brought him and his siblings up to Washington. Bratcher was playing with five other children in a section of the park during the day; they were told that dinner would be prepared at 7:00 p.m. and they were to return to the adults' area at that time. Bratcher told the other children that he would take a different trail back to the picnic area when dinner time arrived and separated from the group. He was never seen again.An extensive police search of the park area yielded few clues as to what happened to Bratcher. Search dogs may have located his scent leading up to the park's entrance, but it disappeared at the edge of the pavement. Authorities believe Bratcher was either abducted, or fell into the ocean and was swept out to sea. His case remains unsolved.
Investigating Agency
Source Information
Updated 2 times since October 12, 2004.
Last updated June 6, 2009; details of disappearance updated.
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Grays Harbor Sheriff's Office
360-249-3711
The National Center For Missing and Exploited Children
Child Protection Education Of America
The Daily World