Above Images: Marcher, circa 2004
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Missing Since: April 4, 2004 from Velzeyland, Oahu, Hawaii
Classification: Endangered Missing
Date of Birth: February 18, 1982
Age: 22
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 160 lbs.
Hair Color: Blonde
Eye Color: Green
Race: White
Gender: Female
Distinguishing Characteristics: Athletic build. Tattoos:
five stars on left foot; Japanese or Chinese symbols on
lower back. Two to three piercings in each ear, pierced navel,
pierced tongue.
Medical Conditions: Seizures generally controlled by
medication. She had not
suffered any in the recent months
prior to her disappearance.
Clothing: Green two-piece swimming suit with a blue
short-sleeve rash
guard top. Some reports state she was
wearing an orange bathing suit.
Jewelry: Ring in navel, stud in tongue.
Case Number: 04-137557
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Details of Disappearance
On April 4, 2004, Courtney left her Kueho Street home at around
6:30 am to go surfing with friends at Velzeyland, a five-minute walk from
the home she shared with friends. By 8:30 a.m., those surfing with Marcher
said, she told them she was going to shore. She was last seen paddling in
to catch a wave, but no saw if she made it. Even though the water seemed
relatively calm that day, the waters off the North Shore are powerful.
Six-foot faces were reported on the 4th, with a large swell and 25 ft faces
on the 5th.
Ground and air searches were conducted by Honolulu police, fire, and
Department of Land and Natural Resource crews with no leads and no evidence
of foul play. Her surfboard was found on April 7 by two fishermen 3 miles
off Kaena Point, 18 to 20 miles north of her last known location, 7 miles
off the surfbreak, which according to experts is consistent with the drift
pattern. Her board was intact with no significant damage, however the ankle
leash was severed. Examination by shark experts were inconclusive, with one
expert indicating the marks were consistent and the other indicating they
were not. Velzeyland is not typically known for sharks ~ at least, not more
than other surf spots ~ and no one reported seeing any that week. Others
felt the markings on the leash were consistent with the leash being broken
or snapped after being repeatedly pulled against the sharp coral and rock
ledges that are prevalent in some locations along the North Shore.
In July of 2004, her family and friends held a memorial service for her in
her hometown of Satellite Beach, FL. In 2005, the T & C Surf Women's Pipe
competition on the north shore of Oahu was dedicated in her memory.
Investigators and others believe she likely ran into trouble in the water
and is not a victim of foul play.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Honolulu Police Department, Missing Persons Unit
Det. Phil Camero
(808) 529-3394
Source Information
National Center for Missing Adults
Honolulu Advertiser
Honolulu Star-Bulletin
KITV-4 News
