Hobo Shoestring search update, planned efforts, and how you can help

#hobo #missing #search #meeting #help #shoestring
Contact me at [e-mail]

[@MrSomethingElse]

This is a real blow. In the cesspool of youtube, Shoestring was a shining ray of sunlight. Always positive and looking forward. I bet his young neighbor is hurting too, I'm sorry I forget the young fellas name but they seemed to share a bond, and everyone else that knew him. Even when his health got scary he was still upbeat and looking towards the next train. I am really hurting. Him and Jim Stobe turned me on to a whole world I never knew existed and I am so grateful to Mark for all the hours I spent with him as he traversed America with nothing but his balls and that big bucket full of supplies! I just have no words. I am broken to hear this news. Much love to his friends and family, he was a Gem, an absolute Gem.

[@RJSAMCRO]

I'm a driver with RailCrew and have told many of the CSX Crew members of what is going on. The majority of them are from the Kingsport TN Yard so there are crews aware of and familiar with Mark. I'm in the Bostic NC Yard area so we are all looking out.

[@mikew3194]

Appreciate you guys in the industry who don't have a corporate mindset if you know what I mean.

[@Efemedio1]

Telephone, telegraph, tell a RailCrew van driver! Prayers for Hobo! This is too sad!

[@junecoulthard8942]

Awe how Awesome! Prayers Always 🙏🤲❣

[@HappyQuailsLC]

It has always been heartwarming to see the appreciation shown to Shoestring by the various rail professionals.

[@chrismathews4478]

Thank you for your concern.

[@JefferySos]

God please help Mark be okay I have followed him for Years. This is absolutely heartbreaking 😭. Thank you for the update. It melts my heart by how many people actually care about shoestring

[@bradjtrains]

I wish I had friends that were half the friend you are to Mark. Slowly this week we are restoring faith in humanity.

[@GearheadExplorer85]

Agreed! I hope Mark realizes how many people out there are worried about him.

[@uuuultra]

Be a good person and people will care about you.

[@PJL7095]

He’s 53 years old?? My goodness… I thought he was in his 70s. God bless him & keep him safe

[@parttime9070]

Not the healthiest of life stiles..

[@AlanWiltsie]

I work in the healthcare business, I know people that look like they're in their 70's or later and they're actually in their 30's or 40's

[@traincore1955]

The rails will do that to ya

[@JohnShinn1960]

Rough life, genetics and side effects of the prescription drugs he's on.

[@lonewolf1401]

thank you for caring for shoestring,we are all praying for him...

[@glennpiller9417]

It really doesn't look good missing 7 days. Didn't take anything ? Sadly i fear the worst . Chances are he is with in miles of his home.

[@mihe6212]

I believe that too

[@billping2633]

@@mihe6212 Sad but its not good.

[@justins3810]

It does seem bad but remember that Mark has been a survivalist for a long time. He's a different breed than I am for sure. Wishful thinking

[@draco6181]

Kinda what I was thinking but… Maybe on a rail car somewhere in America and no one noticed him yet I’m sure those railcars aren’t checked daily Sure hope we’re all wrong and ole Shoe pops up ❤

[@BigDsRc517]

Yeah not looking good guys😢 R.I.P SHOESTRING you will be missed buddy.

[@ednajewell491]

Thank you for, personally, caring and leading such an, in depth, thorough, coordinated effort to locate Mark. Nice to know he has you and other, such true friends. As you must know, Mark, always expresses deep, appreciation for his dear friends and fans. He's a very special man!

[@steinmetz409]

A veteran with health problems, losing his health insurance, admist of a health crisis. That would really mess with me too. That bothers me, we have a lot of problems in this country. Many prayers to Mark, his family, friends and fans. Let's not lose hope.

[@railenthusiast4830]

I am a Veteran. A veteran cannot lose their VA medical health care.

[@leroybrown7245]

He lost the Medicaid because he made to much money. He still has VA medical health care.

[@earlwright9715]

He is a veteran.

[@railenthusiast4830]

@@leroybrown7245 Mark cannot be found in the VA medical system. There are people that have been looking into him for a while now because some things didn’t add up.

[@robclark3095]

So sad our country doesn’t want to figure out healthcare like most other countries have. Nobody should fall through the cracks because they make too much for Medicaid, but not enough to afford our expensive private insurance system. Especially people like Mark with serious health issues.

[@mikeholmanlovesyou]

Kind of feel like Shoestring got some bad news, and decided to go on his own terms. For what its worth, we searched the rails in Milledgeville, GA.

[@Brewers232829]

Thank you for all your hard work. I truly appreciate what you are doing!

[@kens.3729]

Thank you for doing such a Great Public Service Announcement for our Great Friend, Mark. He is Loved so Much and had turned his Life completely Around.🙏

[@darickymeister]

I hope he knows how many folks are worried about him. Hello from Canada.

[@lonewolf744]

You're a great friend. It's awesome everything you're doing to help find Mark. ✌🏼

[@jde9095]

Thinking of Shoestring, hope we all hear good news soon.

[@daveminion6209]

Sad news to hear the finding of SHOESTRING At Boone Lake. RIP, you will be missed , Shipmate.

[@David-p7z9n]

He’s a very likable soul, I hope he’s just wandering around. Definitely doesn’t sound like he’s on a train due to gear being left home, but you can’t totally rule that out if he’s confused.

[@lynne6417]

I agree that Search and Rescue dogs shoukd be involved to help tje search for Mark. Im holding out hope from Pittsburgh PA.

[@steezeflipz97]

Sending prayers from NH. Been watching his videos for years!

[@iisaryan3045]

My Heart is Breaking!💔🙏

[@backroads82]

In one of his older videos caled "Finally inflated the raft and update" at about 2:00 in the video he mentions how he has always wanted to camp in a secluded area across from his house on the lake. From the looks of the aerial map it appears to be accessable from crossing the bridge and coming in from the other side and is accessable from the area of the old serenity cove marina. Might be a place to check out. I really hope he is found safe and is ok.

[@DieselDucy]

WOAH! I was your 9000th sub. In all seriousness, I hope they find him and he is okay.

[@ChainsawNW1218]

Thanks for the update, I was in Christiansburg and Radford VA yesterday and filmed some NS trains and was checking out all five trains I caught, didn't see anything, but I know He rides the Bristol line/Crescent Corridor to Roanoke VA alot,I agree with You, I don't think He caught out,I know His family, friends and fans are all worried about Him,hoping to God He is found safe.

[@magnum2424kc]

I have been a paramedic/EMT, and I have been involved with multiple similar case. Our EMS / RESCUE personnel join with generous caring public and first responders from other agencies and multiple county and state personnel. That pond or lake sounds deserving of a very close examination by the boots on the ground. I hate to sound hopeless for his safe return, but the odds are stacking up against a cheerful resolution . If my prediction led me, I would seriously concentrate on taking the absolute last location that HOBO shoe string was CONFIRMED to have actually been spotted. The location and directions that someone seen him . I would start a diameter focus consisting the first two miles in Circumference to the most recent sighting of him. Let us all remember and respect he has family and so many friends worrying about his safe return. We can offer our prayers and well-being thoughts to the family, but definitely in a kind way allowing them space to come to the possibility their friend and family member may be gone. God Bless to all parties involved.

[@theofficialdiamondlou2418]

I live a hundred yards from the tracks in Shreveport. He does stop thru here occasionally . I saw a guy who kinda looked like him the other day. But I pretty sure his beard was to short. There’s also a camp area across the street , I’m watching , and the circle K next door where everyone hangs out. 🙏🙏 for Mark ,and his safe return.

[@jamessefton3680]

Thank you for keeping us posted-I hope we get some good news soon and pray for Shoestring 👍

[@Wilders53]

Thanks EVERYONE for your efforts!!! Mark would be blown away to know just how much he's missed

[@josephwoehlerii2855]

I hate to say it but they need to check that lake out behind his apartment, I remember him using that rubber boat he had in several videos.

[@NSBlack_Stallion]

Boats at his apartment

[@johngreydanus2033]

don't need the boat to un-alive @@NSBlack_Stallion

[@the_minimalistic_adventure]

They’ve checked the lake. It’s clear

[@tested123]

@@the_minimalistic_adventure checked the lake? how thoroughly? divers and dogs? i dont think they checked shit.

[@pmccoy8924]

What they need to do is check and see if his firearm is at his home. That may paint a picture of his motive. They also need to check VA hospital with John Doe patients or mental health hospitals. If the hospital that he left gave him a poor diagnosis it may have been the end of his rope. He left the hospital on his own recon against their wishes. His Medicaid was cancelled because he makes too much money.

[@JOSEPHMATTHEWHOLLAND]

God Bless Shoestring he's a treasure ❤🙏 from Western Kentucky

[@wildlifeonwheels4236]

@@fixedgearfever69 The guy that wrote the comment is from Kentucky...

[@mikelockhart1827]

Kyle I tell my buddy bo that rides the rails to be on the lookout for hobo shoestring and will also say something Matt as well.

[@RonaldDaub-xi5jz]

Hey I'm across the river did you see the crazy guy the other week ago talking s*** about shoestring from Canada? Does guy seemed really dangerous

[@mikelockhart1827]

@@RonaldDaub-xi5jz Ronald I seen that one yeah he looked pretty dangerous.

[@firebearva]

Thank you and as a retired firefighter I know my brothers in your area will be doing all they can to locate Mark. All I can offer are prayers and my gratitude for all you and others are doing to find Shoestring and bring him home.

[@GraceCook-g1l]

Thank you for the update. Also, thank you for caring enough to search for him and get official search in place. My fear is that someone was waiting when he got home and really harmed him. I have knowledge of how strokes work and I believe he's, had a series of small strokes since he was at Prudhoe Bay. He complained of feeling disoriented then. You are truly a good friend and I hope there is a special place in heaven for you.

[@miask]

Thank you Mr Ray for your efforts to find Mark. I don’t feel good about this now. Lot’s of us are thinking there might be clues around the lake. The other thing on my mind is that Shoestring may have tried to get to his dad’s place in Texas. I wish I were able to come down to help. I can only offer my prayers for Mark to be found safe.

[@saberridge6867]

Unfortunately, time is the enemy in these cases. I would speculate that, even if he was having some hallucinations, he likely would not forget how to use his travel gear which he put together so carefully. I pray he is found in a safe place. He definitely touched a lot of people with his travel stories and sharing his life experiences with all.

[@ARTWV]

My 84yr old Father snuck off. He has late stage dementia. I have alarms on my doors and windows and he still got lose. Luckily the local cops picked him up. He was making all those guys laugh at the police station. Garrettsville Ohio. Great officers

[@George-xe2ub]

Cool story bro

[@bclr5964]

I can’t believe that hospital discharged him while he was still incoherent. Slam dunk lawsuit for the family. I’m surprised no one has brought that up yet.

[@jeffreyking3807]

I know right we're that is. Only 30 minutes from me. Nice and quite place.

[@FloydYESterZep]

@@bclr5964 There are a very narrow range of circumstances that an adult can be held against their will, the main one being that they are a threat to themselves or others. It this cannot be demonstrated first to a doctor (or a board of doctors) and then after a few days, to a court of law, the hospital has no right to hold someone. The real risk of a judgement in a lawsuit here would not be for releasing him but instead, for holding him with insufficient evidence in doing so. I hope he is found just like everyone else. But to suggest that his family is about to get rich off a story we have zero information about is premature at best.

[@rachelleszakacs1377]

I used to work for Second National bank in Garrettsville 😮

[@dennismilby1822]

My spirit saddens and my heart Weeps for our friend shoestring and hopefully we are all praying for his safe return.

[@MulberryPress-l7m]

Hobo Shoestring Is A National Treasure.

[@charlescorey184]

Thank you so much for your continued updates. We are all praying for Hobo Shoestring and for you and your volunteers.

[@marymoore5705]

I have been watching hobo shoestring for several years on you tube. I will be praying for hobo shoestring and family..

[@cs-gj3yf]

his body was found in a lake behind his house earlier today

[@DarlnDar]

***Thank you for the update & am here praying that y'all will locate him successfully without harm to that precious soul. God Bless evry1***

[@JamesHaynes-ri8qg]

Thank you for all the hard work you and everyone is doing. No matter how things turns out good bad or indifferent it's important to bring Mark home.

[@lisaoscar1625]

Sorry to hear about your friend. What a good community this is and it restores my faith in humanity. I hope he's found safe and soon.

[@steveschein2619]

While I never knew Mark, he seems like a good person. I hope things wind up for the best.

[@drewjohn8392]

Praying for Mark. Breaks my heart that he could be in serious trouble. God please help Mark.

[@skyebird3933]

Such sad news. Thank you for all you're doing. Praying he's found safe.

[@reese9030]

Thanks for your continued updates. I feel like he’s close to home also. I’m sure things are hard to get coordinated but Saturday seems like a long way away before the search of his neighborhood. I pray that he is found safe and I pray for his family.

[@MountainwoodCottages]

I agree. Why is this all waiting for Saturday! If he is alive he needs to be found asap.

[@Factchecker9111]

Probably waiting for Saturday because they know it's not going to be a rescue mission, but a recovery mission at this point. ​@MountainwoodCottages

[@michaelscott5658]

my heart and prayers for him and his mother and sisters and dad please find him ether way God bless

[@jasonstormoen]

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends. My main home is in Asheville, NC, but I'm in Johnson City, TN, at my on Boone Lake 2 mins from his apartment. I am here until Tuesday morning, then back to Asheville. I am willing to help however I can. I am also keeping my eye out. He was such a nice man. I would see him on a regular walking and I'd pullover, and I'd see him often at Roadrunner getting his cans of tea and id talk to him, the one right by his place. He doesn't drink, as the ridiculous youtube media psychic or whatever garbage claimed. She said a lot of wrong, and it was wrong for her to even do that and post on facebook group, and other parts were public knowledge. Thanks for what you're doing.

[@alglen9208]

I hate to ask you this, but do you have a boat and the time to do a patrol. Kansas

[@thomascraven5250]

So sad to have heard about this a day ago. It has occupied all of my thoughts and can’t quit checking for any news or updates. I have realized that if I ever had a family member or close friend go missing, I’d probably go crazy looking and non stop thinking about it. I pray wholeheartedly for his safety and return but grow more doubtful every day. I hope and pray that we haven’t already seen his last video. God bless and hold his family and close friends tight Lord, and help comfort them in these times of unknown ! Shoestring, you are missed and loved brother!

[@freddypflugbeil6]

Prayers and hopefully everything will turn out ok for Hobo Shoestring. From New York

[@slugo915]

Prayers he's found alive! I been watching him for couple years. This is sad and breaks my heart. Ty for all that your doing to help!

[@chriscraftdennis479]

Thank You so much I was a Engineer all over the country an Mark as been on some of my trains Thank you I'm in the process of taking to all my RR friends to keep a look out again Thank You for your help

[@jeffreyleckrone7593]

Thank you for all you are doing. God Bless you. Mark has a great friend in you. ❤❤

[@kentwalker7141]

Thank you for considering the lake. I just mentioned that on another site because no one had mentioned checking the lake. I am hoping he is safe somewhere. Thank you and the many others that enjoyed Shoestring adventure.

[@DavidPT40]

By this time he would definitely be floating. This is why I think he's either in the river or not close by.

[@k.c.beagle7102]

Thank you so much for your effort in all this. Praying he is found.

[@margiecooper6045]

Thank you for updating us. You are a good friend to Mark.

[@abecks8093]

Thank you for doing this and giving us updates. Fingers crossed he returns home healthy and safe.

[@RichPohlman]

Your thinking is correct. I'm a past Search Coordinator. Start at the PLS (point last seen) and work out, carefully search in and around his home and his neighborhood. No one has said when his phone was last used?

[@lorettashepherd.]

His phone was left at his apartment. Found by his family

[@theofficialdiamondlou2418]

I’ve heard from reliable source that his phone was last used at 3am the morning he disappeared when he called family after getting out of the hospital. 🤷‍♂️ and that they called JCP to do a health check the following day. And he wasn’t found.

[@Factchecker9111]

It sounds like he has checked out. For good. Unfortunately. Maybe not, but in all reality, it's what it seems like.

[@RichPohlman]

Yes, but when was it last used? How long after he came back home if it was used? @@lorettashepherd.

[@danielgraf8957]

​@@theofficialdiamondlou2418 phone was found at home dummy not on him dummy

[@BaltimoreAndOhioRR]

I'm glad you mentioned the dogs! I mentioned that on another video, but I wonder if too much time has passed for any scents? I sure hope a miracle happens and someone took him in or he's been in some facility. I know he knows how to survive outside, but without supplies or medication, and if he's been hallucinating, well, I just hope he's OK.

[@ThaSilentOne420]

Contact Adventures with a purpose see what they can do. They have better equipment then most PD's do for searching lakes ect

[@avlisk]

Yes. They could do it.

[@Hecto356]

And they’re a nonprofit organization!

[@gtp2nv]

This was exactly my thought. We need to reach out to them and the other few nonprofit divers out there.

[@theofficialdiamondlou2418]

I said the same thing on another video. And someone replied that they only take cases where the person disappeared with a vehicle. But I don’t know for sure. Maybe Nugg /Adventures with Nugg could do it. I believe he’s a recovery diver.

[@MonteD1]

Chaos Divers or Nug are better people.

[@mikegray7666]

Thank you so much for the update. Praying they find Mark safe and prayers to all involved who are searching for him.

[@rodsmith3911]

It doesn't look good after a week with none of his belongings with him. I count him as a good friend who I have known for some years. I prayed for him through his cancer treatment, as a cancer survivor myself, and I will keep praying for him now from here in Yorkshire UK.

[@Carolb66]

Hi im from Yorkshire too. He has fans from all over the wirld.This is sad & worrying, Mark is a kind gentle soul who has dealt with alot going on. His videos are so inspiring. Prayers for Mark. ❤🙏

[@rodsmith3911]

He has had a hard life with many problems and has borne it all very stoically. We need to pray for a good outcome whilst being prepared for a not so good end to this situation. Mark deserves better than that. He has played a poorly dealt hand to the best of his abilities and his videos have brought so much pleasure to a great number of people over the years. He's been an inspiration to those who watched his progress through the trials of his cancer treatments. I do hope that we will find out what has happened to him very soon, as it's not like him to leave home with no possessions and just disappear.

[@lembriggs1075]

You all are in my prayers. Thanks for keeping us posted. 🙏

[@musictrains863]

Thank you for keeping us posted. Continued prayers for Shoestring

[@Falcon163]

Sending prayers been keeping an eye out in Minnesota

[@marvingooden2232]

I hope and pray you are ok Shoestring. I never met you personally but I am a fan. You are such a great spirit and genuine man. You are a cut above the rest. My sincerest prayers.

[@elisanavepeoples2438]

Thank you for all of your efforts to coordinate this search. You are a true friend to Mark. Praying hard that he is found.

[@FOSTERSFARMGARAGETV]

Praying from Texas and bring him home! God bless Hobo and all involved!

[@NorlandBoxcar]

Thank you for being there for Mark and bringing us all together during these challenging days. Your videos and efforts are greatly appreciated and needed. Let us pray that Shoestring is found soon.

[@jeffmcdonald4225]

I'm absolutey stunned. I can only hope for a good outcome for our hobo.

[@marshabrown8337]

God bless you all. Thank you for all you're doing.

[@beamerritt6757]

Boone lake is the first place they should have checked first and they should have went ahead and got the dogs out first before the scent gets gone! Thanks for what you're doing I don't know shoestring personally but I love his videos. I definitely for sure have shoestring and his family in my prayers. And please dear God let him be found and get the medical help he needs, that is my prayer! But for some reason I feel like he's just in his immediate area and just can't call out for help because of his medical conditions.

[@johnscherf1228]

Thank you for the updates! Every time I look at the backpack I bought from Mark four years ago, I get emotional, no pun. Keep hoping and praying we hear good news he's okay.

[@Jill_Pajzer]

Immense panic and tears over here in NH praying for shoestrings return home!

[@runninrailz]

Me and my wife were coming down from New Hampshire we’re getting slammed with snow we’re unable to come down thank you for all the updates your a good dude for doing all this

[@barrybohnow5282]

I`ll be thinking about Mark and Hope My Vibes help those seeking him to find him alive !!!!!! I and A Big Fan of Marks , and have Talked with him on Many Occasions over the last several years !!! Please Find Him Alive !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@fremountstsongsrich2453]

I am so sorry about Shoestring Great man!!! I think he as what has happened to him was he just walked off the end of his dock and is there in the lake.They need to get a hold of AWP dive serch team and they will find him in a matter of mins.

[@KennyVloggins]

Thanks for keepin us updated brother

[@mingkee27]

It's unfortunate a body is found. Now we have to wait for confimation. However, the latest news Friday makes my heart fell

[@SarahJane-gd7hb]

Thank God you are checking out the lake.And the dogs. Praying for shoestring.

[@myrnawashington9057]

Glad they are finally bringing in dogs. I hope the dogs can still pick up his scent.

[@greenpea9412]

This is very upsetting. I hope he is found. Awesome to see that a man with so little is loved by so many. Hope you all get your friend back soon.

[@michaelcollins7330]

Verry sad marks is one off the best with all he nos about the train station and rails I enjoy watching him telling us stories and about the rails I prayer that he is found safe thankfully he has good friends like you too help Please mark come home

[@frankbucholtz8713]

Thanks for posting this. I am praying for Mark - he is a good man.

[@richardtaylor7536]

We in Canada are hopeing that Mark can be found. Bless you all for searching for him.

[@TimSmith-od6eh]

I hope he's ok I'll be praying for him

[@Carolb66]

Oh my, you are such a good friend to Mark,& to come to the conclusion the search needs to be closer to home & organise a dive team & search dogs you are the best friend he could have at this time. Someone needs to take charge of this search & cordinate it & that's what you are doing. God bless you sir, & prayers for you as well as Mark & his family. ❤💔🙏

[@TattedTommysTv]

Dallas TX supporter here I've watched strings for years I was told about his disappearing by Corn .. Sad deal hopefully he's found and safe and healthy...

[@gregsmith983]

Thanks for the update! I hope he’s somewhere alive but him not taking his stuff he’s got to be close around his apartment with his mind like it was. I hate to say it but he’s probably in the lake. Been watching his videos for a couple years always enjoyed them.

[@markambrose8251]

I loved watching his videos I pray you find him safe he's good man

[@ChadMoosey]

God bless Shoestring. Sending love from Northern Ontario, Canada. 😢

[@nickjenkins1663]

Best of luck to you and him. ❤ I sincerely hope he shows up alright 🙏❤

[@Dr_Joe]

I Checked at the overpass in Laramie where he says he began his Hobo days of adventure 34 years ago, and ... nothing. I doubt that he's come this far. God bless him. Prayers. 📿

[@veronicapurl-tb8pt]

Rip Mark Shoestring you will be missed

[@MartyMacgyver]

My heart breaks that Mark's missing, and I deeply hope he gets home safe and sound.

[@briannorman952]

Please keep this updated. A friend turned me onto his page as I’m a train guy myself. 🙏

[@mawriverbird]

They need to search around his home. I hope he's alright. Prayers for Shoestring.

[@revbobj3220]

Thanks for all the work you're doing! Hoping for the best! We all love ya, Shoestring! Please come home safely! 😢

[@Findlay419]

Has the attic or basement/ crawl space been checked?

[@Bow-j6c]

Thankyou for the effort, time, and love you all are putting into finding a beautiful man, 🙏❤️🙏

[@CraigPetty555]

I texted him on the 30th and asked if he was ok, and that everyone is worried about him, and he sent back "crazy sleep schedule". I sent him "hope all is well", and no response after that!!

[@desktorp]

last time he was seen at the apartment was the 27th and his phone was left inside

[@CraigPetty555]

@@desktorp i double checked my messages and he sent me that message at 13:35 on 3-30-24. Someone did anyway!

[@desktorp]

​@@CraigPetty555 That's strange. Have you managed to get in touch with SouthernRailFan or anyone else besides this comment? I'm not calling you a liar, just saying it doesn't fit the timeline of the current narrative that he vanished on the 27th and that his family has heard nothing from him. What's the nature of your relationship with him? Ever met him or just a fan that got his phone number?

[@backalleyrailroading2835]

Thanks for looking out for Hobo Shoestring... Hope all ends well. Haven't seen your channel until now so I gave you a sub for future content.