The Unfolding Stories of Missing University of Nebraska Students: Samuel Martinez and Anwesha Dey
The disappearance of a loved one is a harrowing experience, filled with uncertainty and anguish. The families and friends of missing individuals endure a unique kind of pain, clinging to hope while grappling with the unknown. This article examines the details surrounding two separate cases involving University of Nebraska students who went missing under vastly different circumstances: Samuel Martinez in Hawaii and Anwesha Dey in Lincoln, Nebraska.
The Search for Samuel Martinez in Hawaii
In May, Samuel Martinez, a 23-year-old University of Nebraska-Lincoln student, embarked on a solo hiking and camping trip to the island of Kaua'i, Hawaii. His parents, Cherie and Ted Martinez, last had contact with him on May 13. Samuel had planned a 14-day trip, leaving Omaha on May 12. He intended to return on May 25, but he never boarded his flight from Hawaii to LAX.
Timeline of Events
- May 12: Samuel Martinez leaves Omaha for Kaua'i.
- May 13: Last contact with Samuel. He is seen by another hiker on his way to his first campsite. The hiker reported nothing out of the ordinary, and Samuel mentioned hitchhiking across Kaua'i and hiking north to the state park. Samuel also stopped at a grocery store to buy food.
- May 25: Samuel misses his flight from Hawaii to LAX.
- May 26: Samuel's parents realize he did not make it to Omaha.
- May 27: The Lincoln Police Department contacts the Kauai Police Department (KPD), initiating an on-island investigation.
Investigation Efforts
The Kauai Police Department and other agencies have conducted extensive searches for Samuel. He had acquired eight permits to camp at various locations, including Kokee State Park and the Kalalau Trail. Flight records and safe travel records confirm that Samuel landed on Kauai on May 12 and was screened at the Lihue Airport. Despite these efforts, multiple attempts to contact Samuel have been unsuccessful.
Family's Plea for Help
Samuel's parents are asking for the public's help in sharing his photos. They have been advised to remain in Nebraska to build an information and social media base, follow up with Kaua'i authorities, and gather information about Samuel from his friends and his digital footprint. They have also shared photos of his camping gear, hoping that someone on the trails in Hawaii might recognize it.
Ted Martinez expressed the difficulty of not being able to join the search in person, stating, "We have wanted every hour to go to Eppley to get on a plane to go to Kaua’i, however, what is best for Samuel is not his mother and father up in the mountains lost and launching a search party for us."
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The family remains hopeful that Samuel is either lost or helping someone else who may be lost. They are grateful for the support from the communities in Nebraska and Hawaii. Ted added, “Anyone who comes in contact with Samuel is going to have a friend, he’s going to treat them well and ask them if they need anything. He’s very approachable, when you see him he may need help. Help him come home and we pray that that happens.”
Description of Samuel Martinez
Samuel Martinez is approximately 6 feet tall and weighs around 180 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information about his whereabouts on Kauai is urged to call KPD at (808) 241-1711.
The Tragic Disappearance of Anwesha Dey in Lincoln, Nebraska
The case of Anwesha Dey, a 30-year-old University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate student, is a somber reminder of how quickly unforeseen accidents can occur. Anwesha went missing on May 3, 2015, after being swept away by the floodwaters of Antelope Creek in Lincoln.
Timeline of Events
- May 3, 2015: Anwesha Dey was last seen leaving a friend's house near N. 23rd & S Streets at 7:00 pm, heading to the downtown UNL campus.
- May 6, 2015: A friend contacted the Lincoln Police Department after not hearing from Anwesha since Sunday.
- May 12, 2015: Investigators reviewed security footage from a local business. The footage showed a woman believed to be Anwesha Dey attempting to cross Antelope Creek, just west of N. 22nd Street between R & S Streets, at 7:37 pm on May 3, 2015. Heavy rains had caused the creek to overflow onto the concrete walkway. The woman walked north of the walkway and then toward the moving water, subsequently falling into the creek. She appeared to struggle in the fast-moving water.
- Subsequent days: Crews searched tirelessly to find Dey. The United States Search Rescue Recovery Team, a volunteer group based out of Omaha, assisted Lincoln Police. Lincoln Fire and Rescue and other agencies searched Antelope Creek up to the Platte River.
Investigation Details
Police believe Anwesha Dey was trying to cross Antelope Creek near 22nd and S Streets when she lost her footing and fell into the water. The security video shows her struggling in the water as she attempted to regain her footing and get to the shore. Authorities noted that because of the high water, Dey may not have realized the drop-off and that she did not know how to swim. The police have not released the security video because it is "very hard to watch."
Impact on the Community
Anwesha's disappearance deeply affected the University of Nebraska-Lincoln community. Juan Franco, the vice chancellor for student affairs, expressed his sadness, stating, "This has been a trying week for many of us at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. We are deeply saddened by the recent information. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Ms. Dey’s family and friends."
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Friends remember Anwesha as a dedicated, honest, and genuine person who was passionate about her biological sciences research. Suman Chakrabarty, a friend of Dey, said, "I just don't know why she would be trying to cross that bridge during that time… You know, that's the question that still lingers in my mind." Shital Chheda, another friend, said, "She was a very dedicated, honest, you know, genuine person. She really was very pure at heart."
Ongoing Status
Lincoln police have stated that Dey's missing persons case will remain open until she is found. Despite extensive search efforts, her body, umbrella, backpack, or phone have not been recovered. Police have asked citizens who have property that abuts Salt Creek from Antelope Creek to the Platte River to be watchful for Anwesha Dey’s body. She was last seen wearing an orange hooded jacket and blue jeans and carrying a gray and orange backpack and a light blue umbrella.
Common Threads and Divergent Paths
While the cases of Samuel Martinez and Anwesha Dey differ significantly in their circumstances, they share the common thread of uncertainty and the profound impact on their families and communities. Samuel's disappearance involves a vast search area and the possibility of being lost in the wilderness, while Anwesha's case points to a tragic accident during a severe weather event.
Contrasting Circumstances
- Location: Samuel Martinez went missing in a remote, natural environment (Kaua'i, Hawaii), while Anwesha Dey disappeared in an urban setting (Lincoln, Nebraska).
- Activity: Samuel was engaged in a planned outdoor activity (hiking and camping), whereas Anwesha was simply walking from a friend's house to campus.
- Potential Causes: Samuel's disappearance could be due to getting lost, injured, or encountering unforeseen challenges in the wilderness. Anwesha's disappearance is believed to be the result of an accidental fall into a flooded creek.
Shared Impact
- Emotional Toll: Both cases have caused immense emotional distress for the families and friends of the missing students.
- Community Involvement: Both cases have spurred community involvement in search efforts and providing support to the families.
- Unanswered Questions: Both cases leave many unanswered questions, creating a sense of uncertainty and prolonging the grieving process.
The Importance of Awareness and Prevention
The disappearances of Samuel Martinez and Anwesha Dey highlight the importance of awareness and preventative measures in different contexts.
Wilderness Safety
Samuel's case underscores the need for wilderness safety precautions when engaging in solo hiking and camping trips:
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- Detailed Itinerary: Leave a detailed itinerary with family or friends, including planned routes, campsites, and expected return date.
- Communication Plan: Establish a communication plan, including check-in times and alternative contact methods in case of emergencies.
- Emergency Supplies: Carry appropriate emergency supplies, such as a first-aid kit, navigation tools, extra food and water, and a signaling device.
- Awareness of Surroundings: Be aware of weather conditions, potential hazards, and wildlife encounters.
- Physical Fitness: Ensure adequate physical fitness and experience for the planned activity.
Urban Safety During Severe Weather
Anwesha's case highlights the dangers of navigating urban environments during severe weather events:
- Avoid Flooded Areas: Avoid walking or driving through flooded areas, as water levels can be deceptive and dangerous.
- Stay Informed: Stay informed about weather forecasts and warnings.
- Choose Safe Routes: Choose safe routes that avoid known flood zones or areas with poor visibility.
- Be Aware of Surroundings: Be aware of potential hazards, such as downed power lines or debris.
- Inform Others: Inform others of your route and expected arrival time.
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