Decades-Old Missing Person Case Remains Open in Hopkins County

Kentucky State Police renew call for information on Charles Massey, who disappeared in 1997 at age 29.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:16am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a single Easter egg against a pitch-black background, the harsh lighting creating dramatic shadows and textures that conceptually represent the mystery and unanswered questions surrounding a long-running missing person investigation.A decades-old missing person case in Kentucky continues to haunt investigators and the local community.Madisonville Today

Authorities are continuing to investigate a decades-old missing person case in Hopkins County, Kentucky and renewing their call for information. According to Kentucky State Police Post 2, March 31, 2026 marks 29 years since Charles Massey of Madisonville disappeared after last being seen delivering Easter baskets in the area.

Why it matters

Missing person cases can be extremely difficult to solve, especially those that go cold for many years. The Massey disappearance has remained an open investigation, with police hoping new tips or information could help provide closure for his family and community after nearly three decades.

The details

Charles Massey was 29 years old when he went missing in 1997. He is described as a white man standing between 5 feet 11 inches and 6 feet 1 inch tall, weighing 175 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Police are encouraging anyone with information about Massey's whereabouts to come forward, as even small details could aid the investigation.

  • Charles Massey disappeared on March 31, 1997.
  • March 31, 2026 marks the 29th anniversary of Massey's disappearance.

The players

Kentucky State Police Post 2

The local law enforcement agency leading the investigation into Charles Massey's disappearance.

Charles Massey

A 29-year-old man who went missing in Madisonville, Kentucky in 1997 while delivering Easter baskets.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Kentucky State Police are continuing to investigate the case and are asking the public to come forward with any information that could help provide answers about what happened to Charles Massey.

The takeaway

This decades-old missing person case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in solving cold cases, and the importance of the public remaining vigilant and willing to come forward with even the smallest details that could aid an investigation.