Vanished: The Michael Dunahee Story

by Valerie Green

In March 1991, Michael Wayne Dunahee was abducted from a Victoria, BC playground, virtually in front of his parents' eyes. Police were alerted within minutes of Michael's disappearance, and a full-scale search of the area was initiated immediately, but with no witnesses to the crime, law enforcement was stymied. There was no sign of Michael anywhere. The entire city of Victoria quickly mobilized to expand the search for Michael, and Child Find BC and other missing children organizations took up the cause. Very soon Michael's face and the story of his abduction were known throughout North America and eventually around the world, as missing child posters were disseminated and details of his abduction were broadcast via every available media outlet, including five appearances on America's Most Wanted. The Michael Dunahee case initiated the largest missing-child investigation in Canada at the time and raised awareness about child safety and child exploitation issues for both parents and the public at large. The Dunahee family, devastated at the loss of their son, nevertheless endured and focused their energy on helping other families undergoing similar tragedy. Working with Child Find BC and Child Find Canada, and supporting initiative such as the AMBER Alert system and the missing persons DNA database, have given them the strength to carry on and rebuild their lives. They threw their support behind annual fundraising and awareness raising events such as the annual Keep the Hope Alive fun run and the Tournament of Hope, with proceeds from both going to support the work of Child Find BC. In spite of nearly 22 years without answers as to what happened to Michael, they still maintain hope that he will one day be returned safely to them; and that steadfast belief has been an inspiration for families of missing children everywhere. Vanished includes an extensive appendices with details on technological advances in finding missing children, tips on preventing child abduction and exploitation, what to do when a child goes missing or a missing child is seen, as well as complete list of Child Find offices in Canada. Part of the proceeds from the sale of this book are being donated to Child Find BC.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime

160 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2012

Reviews

[Margaret Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valerie Green's "Vanished" is a resounding tribute to Bruce and Crystal Dunahee, parents of Michael Dunahee, who at the age of four was abducted from a Victoria, British Columbia playground and never found. Although the book contains a brief overview of the day Michael vanished, the author is mostly concerned with telling the story of what happens to parents and siblings over time when this particular tragedy strikes a family.
"Vanished" covers child find organizations and statistics which does slow it down a bit, but equally makes it highly informative. When it comes to resources for lost children, Green carefully examines and explains the distinctive nature of each facility and how they inter-relate. She also describes the role key people have played in working with the Dunahees in the continuing search for their son. Green skillfully manages the interweaving of both the personal and public lives of Bruce and Crystal Dunahee. If you have ever seen a Michael Dunahee "Missing" poster, this is a book you'll want to read.

[Tracee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A recounting of the tragedy of Michael's disappearance from our community. It would be nice if this book would compell the kidnapper to have mercy and turn him/herself in and that Michael would be found safe.

[Shana · Rating 3 out of 5]

THREE AND A HALF STARS