20 Years Later, Ohio Medical Student's Disappearance Remains Unsolved

Investigators believe someone has critical information about the case of 27-year-old Brian Shaffer, who vanished from a Columbus bar in 2006.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 10:05am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Twenty years after Brian Shaffer, a 27-year-old medical student at Ohio State University, vanished from a Columbus bar, investigators believe someone out there has critical information about the case. Surveillance footage captured Brian heading into the Ugly Tuna Saloona, but he was never recorded leaving the building. The mystery surrounding his disappearance has captured the attention of Ohio and the world, leading to dozens of theories, numerous leads, and countless tips - but two decades later, questions still continue to mount.

Why it matters

Brian's disappearance has become one of Ohio's most high-profile unsolved cases, sparking widespread interest and speculation. The lack of answers has left his family and the community searching for closure, while also raising broader questions about the effectiveness of missing persons investigations and the role of the public in providing information to help solve cold cases.

The details

On March 31, 2006, Brian went bar hopping with friends near the Ohio State campus, ending up at the Ugly Tuna Saloona around 1:15 AM. Surveillance footage shows him talking to two women outside the bar, but he then appears to re-enter the building and is never seen again. Investigators searched the entire building and surrounding area, interviewed over 100 people, and combed through hours of security camera footage, but found no evidence of foul play or a crime scene. They believe Brian likely left the building, but his ultimate fate remains unknown.

  • On March 31, 2006, Brian started his evening by going to dinner with his father.
  • Around 10 PM, Brian met up with his friend Clint Florence and they went bar hopping, ending up at the Ugly Tuna Saloona.
  • At 1:15 AM, Brian, Clint, and their friend Meredith Reed were captured on surveillance footage entering the Ugly Tuna Saloona.
  • At 1:55 AM, Brian was last seen on security footage talking to two women outside the bar, but still inside the Gateway building.
  • Around 2 AM, Clint and Meredith left the bar without being able to find Brian, who never exited the building.

The players

Brian Shaffer

A 27-year-old medical student at Ohio State University who disappeared from a Columbus bar in 2006.

Clint Florence

Brian's friend and former roommate who was with him the night he disappeared.

Meredith Reed

A friend of Brian and Clint who was with them at the Ugly Tuna Saloona the night Brian went missing.

John Hurst

A former Columbus police sergeant who was the initial lead investigator on Brian's case.

Don Corbett

A former private investigator who began looking into the case at the request of Brian's father in 2006.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Until somebody comes forward that knows something, and I believe somebody knows something out there, it's not going to get solved. I just hope I'm around long enough to see it.”

— John Hurst, Former Columbus Police Sergeant

“He definitely had a kind heart.”

— David Robinson, Friend of Brian Shaffer

“Everyday we think about Brian and can't believe it's been 20 years. We still continue to hope and pray to have answers someday and wish that anyone who knows anything would come forward.”

— Derek Shaffer, Brian's Uncle

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the person of interest named in a recent tip to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of solving missing persons cases, even decades later, and the importance of the public coming forward with any information that could help provide closure for the victim's family. The continued efforts of investigators, podcasters, and advocates to uncover new leads demonstrate the community's commitment to finding answers.