Above Images: Hess, circa 2002
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Missing Since: February 2002 from Brainerd, Minnesota
Classification: Endangered Missing
Date Of Birth: 1974
Age: 28
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 175 lbs.
Hair Color: Blond
Race: White
Gender: Male
Distinguishing Characteristics: Shoulder length hair
worn in a ponytail
Medical Conditions: May have been using drugs
and/or alcohol.
Case Number: 02006705
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Details of Disappearance
Hess' family members reported him as a missing person on February 28, 2002, although they believe he disappeared two weeks earlier. Hess' apartment in the 1100 block of South Sixth Street was untouched. He left all of his clothing, identification and medication inside of his residence. There has not been any activity within Hess' bank accounts since February 2002.
Law enforcement officials believe Shawn Hess died of hypothermia as he succumbed to the cold just east of Brainerd, within view of the city's lights. He likely was disoriented and confused. He followed the railroad tracks parallel to Highway 210. Searches recovered his clothing, first a jacket then pants, shirt, shoes and socks, all in a progressive path along the railroad tracks. It is not uncommon for hypothermia victims to remove their clothing. Brainerd Police Investigator Chad Kleffman said they have a false perception of being hot even as they are freezing to death.
He may have left the railroad tracks and attempted to reach the lights of a house south of Highway 210 extending east to County Road 25. The rough terrain just off the railroad grade is formidable with swamps and bogs and woods. Searches by air, on foot, on horseback, all were unsuccessful. Investigators used cadaver dogs and entered the dark water of murky bogs. Family members searched as well, even taking to a rubber raft to cover more area.
Hess has yet to be found.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Brainerd Police Department
Inv. Chad Kleffman
(218) 829-2805
Source Information
The Citizen Observer
Brainerd Dispatch
