Search Ends Without Finding Two Missing Men at Cape Flattery
Published 1:30 am Thursday, July 30, 2026
NEAH BAY — An extensive, multi-agency search for two missing men at Cape Flattery concluded Friday evening without locating either individual, according to the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation began July 22 after Neah Bay Public Safety contacted the Sheriff’s Office regarding two people who were unaccounted for at the Cape Flattery Trailhead on Makah Tribal lands.
Deputies determined that 53-year-old Jeffrey R. Hunter of Columbus, Ohio, had parked his vehicle at the Cape Flattery parking area on July 16 but had not returned. Investigators learned Hunter had obtained a Makah permit to visit tribal lands and had been traveling on a road trip. Family members reported they had not heard from him in several days.
Deputies also learned that Florin Anghel Grigoriu, 44, of Kirkland, had gone missing after arriving at the Cape Flattery Trailhead in a rental vehicle from Port Angeles around noon on July 21. His cell phone was found inside the vehicle. Family members told investigators Grigoriu had recently been experiencing mental health issues, information that was corroborated by previous contacts with local law enforcement.
A large-scale search operation began July 23, prompting the temporary closure of the Cape Flattery Trail. Neah Bay Public Safety established a roadblock at the trailhead while search crews worked throughout the area.
The operation involved ground search and rescue teams, technical rescue specialists, K-9 units, marine resources and aviation support. Participating agencies included Olympic National Park, Makah Natural Resource Enforcement, Clallam County Search and Rescue, the Washington State Department of Corrections Incident Response Team, Neah Bay Fire & EMS, the U.S. Coast Guard, Neah Bay Public Safety, Kitsap County, Pierce County and Mason County German Shepherd Rescue Team K-9 units, as well as the FBI and Clallam County detectives.
Searchers spent two days conducting what the Sheriff’s Office described as an exhaustive search of the Cape Flattery trail system, including beaches, coves, ravines and surrounding terrain.
The search concluded at 6 p.m. July 24 with no sightings of either Hunter or Grigoriu and no new leads to continue active search efforts.
The Cape Flattery Trail has since reopened to the public.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Jeffrey R. Hunter or Florin Anghel Grigoriu is asked to contact Clallam County Dispatch at 360-417-2459.
The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office thanked the many agencies, organizations, volunteers and community members who assisted in the search, praising their professionalism, teamwork and dedication. The Sheriff’s Office also expressed its thoughts and support for the families and loved ones of both missing men.
