"It was just different": Friends of missing Johnson City man 'Shoestring' express concern

[@jmwhambone6223]

This man served this country. Show him some respect. He is kind and educational.

[@jamie.777]

So what, there are laws. Also, non veterans have equal rights!!

[@uuuultra]

Didn't know he had 2 sisters. He never talks about them.

[@ThickCutOhio]

People that don’t know, have no clue that he’s has a wealth of knowledge and a survivalist extreme.

[@postalsucks9548]

@@jamie.777 all gave some. some gave all. vets put their lives on the line to protect your sorry ass

[@Up2_nogood]

@@jamie.777 Repulsive mind set. Do better.

[@maxanderson9187]

Sometimes you don't really appreciate how strong a voice is until it goes silent.

[@Olivia-r1k]

You are a 💯 percent correct 😢❤🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@Indianarailproductions]

Yeah..

[@mickymantle3233]

Shoestring is a National Treasure. Please pray for him.

[@Stewiethagiant]

🙌 well said

[@wolfandhoundh.a.e]

Amen to that

[@az55544]

he isn't. he may be an interesting stranger, but he's just a man interested in trains. there is so much going on out there right now.

[@sarahlynn7894]

@azmrl Says YOU! Millions disagree with you. The fact that you think he's only about being interested in trains says everything. Your intellect and imagination are obviously very shallow and this explains a lot, but go ahead and keep speaking for your narrow minded self.

[@uuuultra]

Hobo

[@Junkyard_Dog]

Been watching him for years.He's a great guy hopefully he's found safe.

[@BigDsRc517]

Same here

[@donkeyballs3307]

I'm hopeful as well, but I don't think its going to happen this time

[@SFbayArea94121]

He was found trying to message 12 year old boys before. He was never really all there. Really weird and kind of creepy if we’re gonna be honest about it. That’s why I stopped watching his YT channel

[@OnlyHuman2.0]

​@@SFbayArea94121Stop it. You're trying to spread falsehoods. You're not a good person and I hope karma finds you.

[@trentstohlin4850]

​@@SFbayArea94121you're the only one saying this and you never responded when people asked for sources. So either prove it or stop making stuff up. Fool.

[@karenfoster22]

Found deceased. Rest in paradise Shoestring. You were such a good guy you will be missed. And thanks for sharing your adventures.

[@JoeyTen]

Damn 😞 I just started watching him like 2 months ago. He was a very interesting man

[@swainscheps]

@@JoeyTensame thing sorta happened to me w/Stobe…watched him for a year or maybe 18 months…then I decided to send him some $$ to access bonus content and he was dead within the week. I still blame myself.

[@JoeyTen]

@@swainscheps Why do you blame yourself? Who was Stobe?

[@bassranger1054]

No way

[@HappyQuailsLC]

​@@swainscheps Why do you blame yourself? I had a remarkable experience concerning this myself.

[@billbradley2480]

I’ve subbed to Shoestring channel for years. He was found but not alive. Sad situation. Prayers for his family and friends.

[@easttnrailray5685]

Everyone please be looking for my friend. He needs his medication and we are deeply concerned for him.

[@mtsky-tc6uw]

medication???!!? he was a major illegal drug user-->you people elevate this loser who was a heavy drug user,meth,crack,speed--geezuz,one of the big reasons why our society is very messed up--no doubt before he turned the camera on he jacked himself up to get animated --a clown

[@zenfighter3224]

This guy really seemed to have a huge grudge against Shoestring in the last months… Police might want to look into it. youtube.com/@TKKrueger-py5jb?si=O-vK7h99a9dHyoto

[@dkb6465]

My sincere condolences

[@proconsumersafety]

I had put this onto his KZbin channel and wanted to share. Dearest Mark Nichols "Hobo Shoestring", you will be missed greatly, and every time I see a train, it will always remind me of how much I enjoyed your videos, sharing experiences, stories, and magnificent views from the train, and most of all seeing how much you enjoyed these experiences. Thank you for sharing these times. It was like I was on the ride with him. From the times of your travels to your favorite place and checking out apartments in Alaska, to riding around in the golf cart while visiting your dad, filming your apartment and showing train models, and gifts from fans, the National Hobo Convention to your daily rides, I greatly appreciated you taking us along. I started watching Hobo Shoestring's channel during the pandemic and with the views and stories, it was a nice ride along. His filming, editing, talks, description, and ability to see from riding a train perspective was amazing and appreciative. My heart goes out to him, and to his family and friends. I hope during the next National Hobo Convention, there is a memorial in his honor, as it is well deserved. His stories and experiences will live on, especially every time I see a train. All the best, Mark Nichols "Hobo Shoestring" and to his family. Ride on in memory.

[@TheEarthHistorysConfusing]

BLESSINGS.

[@_chosen_remnant]

Now Shoestring and Stobe the hobo can talk rails together forever in eternity. 2 of the best men the rails had to offer. Thanks for the memories-- love you, Mark. ✝️♥️

[@koko2bware]

It was great joy watching your videos, Shoestring!! Goodbye, friend!! RIP

[@JBBost]

RIP Shoestring and thanks for taking us along on your journeys and for sharing your stories with us

[@maxanderson9187]

Thanks to the WJHL crew for doing this. Thanks to all for keeping this front of mind. I'm commenting to push the algorithm.

[@BigDsRc517]

Hopes and prayers 🙏 for #Shoestring....R.I.P SHOESTRING

[@uuuultra]

#shoestringstrong

[@AbcXyz-rn2lz]

Rode with this guy out of GA in 1993

[@ibuprofenPill]

So sad, there aren’t many Americans like him left around. He was free and truly did it his way. Rest in Peace Shoestring!

[@bigiron8831]

In the darkest hours of the night 🌙 Praying for Mark 🙏 R.I.P. Stobe

[@BehemothPhoenix]

Really is the darkest hours of the night RIP SHOESTRING

[@conspiracycorner2334]

'' in the darkest hour of the night ''

[@gavinvalentino1313]

Wow, imagine that: the baseless arrogance of offering to aim thoughts at the invisible skyzombie in order to influence its decisions didn't do a damn thing to change *ANYTHING* about *REALITY.*

[@marshalbounds-wr9sn]

Will be missed really enjoyed his channel! Good dude in my book!

[@jlm3303]

Thank you Shoestring for all the memories.... You are and will be missed by everyone who you touched.... RIP 🙏

[@DearestDawn]

Thank you for sharing this missing man information

[@DerekWhite-yx2ce]

Yeah, this sucks, hopefully he is fine.

[@sherap4733]

Oh my goodness! I sure hope he is found safe soon! I have watched his travels for years very humble and kind man. 🙏

[@carrieslantern9224]

Condolences to the family and friends.

[@jakemensik2842]

Just started watching him on youtube not long ago. So sad to hear of his passing. Rest In Peace Shoestring.

[@DPWian]

Been following shoestring since 15k subscribers. What an amazing man. RIP Shoestring.

[@danielsummey4144]

I watched Shoestring for years on here before I realized he was from our area. He wasn’t a transient. Transients don’t have a home: he did.

[@MikeRelyea]

It's just the community not caring not talking as people of community just the paid govt officials

[@rockymountainhigh9379]

@@MikeRelyea Will you please rewrite your comment in English. Thanks

[@James-yp5dn]

🙏 Shoestring 🙏

[@billping2633]

I pray for him to be found safe. To all the youtube people spreading the word. Thank you. A man can be measured by how many friends he has. Shoestring is a blessed man.

[@uuuultra]

r.i.p. Stobe

[@caseysublett812]

PRAYING he is found a live and safe.

[@elteescat]

Thank you for the news report on Shoestring. Praying in Ohio.

[@prinz10ga]

I fear the worst. That said my prayers are for your safety and family peace.

[@dmzabo3914]

Yes I am feeling it too. He needs his meds & he's aware of this, so that's why it doesn't look good for Shoestring right now. But let's never forget there are small miracles performed by our loving GOD Everyday. 🙏✝️🙏✝️

[@DarlnDar]

***We're out here praying for you our'lovely friend!! HE IS ALSO OUR US HERO (Retired Veteran) We love you Mark! He has taught us how to truly live FREE & will continue we pray!***

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

Where did you hear he retired?

[@Olizimm]

I only just found out about Hobostringshoes' death...I'm devastated with sorrow...he had become my first KZbin buddy. I loved all his videos, his adventures full of life, curiosity and great love for trains and freedom. I can't say anything else because my eyes are full of tears...God have you in Glory Mark...a big hug from Milan, Italy!!

[@daveminion6209]

RIP SHOESTRING, you were the best hobo EVER!! you will be missed, Shipmate.

[@GTO7005]

Met him once in Duluth nice man RIP

[@dianejennings50]

Smart man he will be missed

[@HappyQuailsLC]

It was good of them to have done this story on his behalf. Thank you for having done it.

[@gavinvalentino1313]

SYNTAX

[@Up2_nogood]

You're a mop in a dirty bucket. ​@@gavinvalentino1313

[@GraveyTrain-o3o]

My grandpa was sick. This is a few yrs back. He went to the store and bought a pack of redman and filled up his gas tank. Came home left his debitcard and his phone. That next morning he ended up 2 states away and ended it all driving ironically in front of a freight train. I dont think he wanted to be a burden anymore and well he was ovbiouslly going through a mental health chrisis. Love you Papa!

[@matthewkardys6514]

🙏

[@changingtimes37766]

I agree with what some people are saying that he has probably went on his final ride. If he did then he had no need for any of his gear. What local people where he lives should do, is find out what trains were in his vicinity around the last time he was seen. Track down those trains or cars to the now date and see if he can be found on or in one of them. Riding trains was his everything. If I was him that's exactly what I would have done. Back track, and hunt for those trains and he will probably be found!

[@leecowell8165]

I do not agree. Look. he's been riding trains for over 30 years and now he decides to ride WITHOUT his gear? Well that's committing suicide so IS he suicidal? I think he fell off the wagon after becoming despondent after an emergency visit from hallucinations. Look. "Normal" people don't hallucinate. He then may have fallen off the dock that he was so fond of. He's around his residence and I think he'll be found in that lake. I agree with one thing though.. he's taken his final ride. Its been 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 1, 2. that's 7 days he's no longer with us. damn!

[@changingtimes37766]

@@leecowell8165 everybody has a opinion. I could be right. You could be right. That's not going to find him though. Why don't someone local look in both places. I don't think he's been abducted by aliens, so he's somewhere. No one really knows why people does what they do. I don't think anyone local where he lives is going to see what you and I are posting anyway. So we are just expressing our opinions you know, your thoughts and my thoughts. I hope he's found before it's too late. I don't know him personally but I like him and what he does. Besides all that, we shouldn't be using this post for arguing with each other, come on man let's be adult and reasonable.

[@ToastedHashbrown]

I agree with OP, that he may have hopped on a train one last time. He left the ER (against medical staff's wishes), went home and subsequently disappeared. He may have been told he didn't have long to live, or maybe was diagnosed with something that he simply did not want to live with, so he left his medications (some of which apparently he absolutely depends on for survival) and gear at home. That doesn't sound too far fetched to me. I would probably do something like that in a similar scenario.

[@mysteryandmeaning297]

​@@leecowell8165he wasnt fond of his alcohol though he was glad he was sober

[@55tmilam]

@@leecowell8165I think that’s where he is also! I think your theory is a very good one.

[@mudslinger1m]

Hope he is found and is ok!

[@Jennifer-K5LA]

HOBO!!! He called himself Hobo Shoestring🇺🇸 Its a term of endearment, not an insult ❤❤❤We love this man. Please find him!! 😢

[@Jean-g4q]

Our hearts are broken 💔 rest in peace mark 🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️we will never forget you so many people loved him ❤🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️💔

[@backwoodstim]

Rip my brother ill miss u it breaks me ill never see u again

[@terencem8795]

Thoughts are with you Mark.

[@thepinky9876]

Rest in Peace Shoestring.. he will be deeply missed...

[@JEFF_IN_OHIO]

Shared on all of my social media.....

[@newsflash7718]

I loved his videos on KZbin. A really good guy, and will be missed by everyone who watched his videos.

[@LelaE34]

Mark is a very genuine and kind guy. This is so heartbreaking. Please everyone, pray for his safe return.❤🙏

[@armylrs2391]

The reality is you really didn't know anything about him

[@LelaE34]

@@armylrs2391 the reality is you don’t know me and you don’t know that I knew Mark. So with that said go troll someone else..

[@armylrs2391]

@@LelaE34 okay if you knew him what did he do in the military?

[@LelaE34]

@@armylrs2391 GFY

[@GunsandGuava]

😢 I love watching this guy’s KZbin. I hope he is found!

[@dianahowell4011]

Fell in love with Hobo. Praying for his safe return

[@uuuultra]

Love on the rails?

[@SFbayArea94121]

Jeez, you look like you’d “fall in love with someone like that” .. for the meff and Fenty 💊

[@Tammy121111]

​@@SFbayArea94121😢 DANG, THAT WAS RUDE

[@ritaledford8714]

RIP Mark Nichols, a fisherman found him unalive in Johnson City Tennessee, prayers for his family and friends

[@chadatkins9053]

RIP SHOESTRING YOU WAS A GREAT PERSON FOR SURE. U DEFINITELY INSPIRED ME. YOU WILL BE FOREVER MISSED BROTHER. FOREVER ON THEM RAILS BROTHER

[@prairiepatriotpreacher9738]

Mark, we're all praying that you are safe...🙏 Come home soon... 🏢 🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃

[@staceygandy2009]

I hope he is found safe.

[@SW-jw6il]

we are looking & praying 🙏 for him in Texas..

[@TKKrueger-py5jb]

It's a big state.

[@SW-jw6il]

@@TKKrueger-py5jb , My part of the state…n east Texas

[@mbrewer57]

This just plain sucks! I can't believe he's gone. I'll be watching the news. I hope to learn how he ended up in the water. RIP Shoestring. I loved your videos. 💔🙏

[@invisi-bullexploration2374]

I remember when he was in my city (Cincinnati) for a hot minute and I tried to warn him about the cops here, who are like Terminator Mode against the homeless. He thanked me but let me know he was WELL AWARE of Cincy's reputation and picked a good hiding spot!

[@daved3948]

Thank you for warning this great man. He will truly be missed, i live in Cincinnati as well❤

[@steveshea6148]

Remember when he hitched that trip to Alaska in winter a couple years ago?! Madness! RIP , Mister!

[@GarrettKoval]

God damnit. I love this guy. I hope he’s doin alright.

[@kirbysisk7003]

Jesus please bring shoestring home safe.

[@6firefightin]

Nooo. Shoestring. Praying for a safe return.

[@FAITH5879]

I pray shoestring is found safe .❤

[@skywalkershaun1]

RIP Shoestring.You were gone too soon.

[@justindaly41]

Rip my man

[@gwynethrachaelcooper1957]

I hope and pray he is found safe and sound.

[@Unknown_Ooh]

No way! I never was a subscriber but over the years some of his videos would be recommended to me and ive always watched them when they do and he seemed like such a pure soul. Prayers for him and his family.. train hopping is a dangerous activity even if you've been doing it your whole life. Wasnt he also having some health problems? So many different things could've happened to him that he doesn't deserve.

[@JB-pe2yn]

OMG! I follow him. I'm praying he's found soon.

[@petercollins7192]

Come home shoestring, we are praying for you to come home safe!

[@Johnnynbk]

Only watched a couple of his videos but you can tell he is a good-hearted guy. Hope he's found safe.

[@rollin19]

Same here started watching him like a month ago.

[@norfolkdash9]

Ya know ive watched shoestring in some of his most beautiful videos. Hope hes good. If he wants left alone so be it. Hope hes alright. Beautiful soul hes got.

[@Julei_]

Please keep pushing out info about Mark. We need the media on board so we can find him. We need accurate info put out. Transient leads people to believe he is homeless, he is not. Using that word to describe him is accurate by definition, but unfortunately people associate that word with homelessness & addiction & sadly all to often they tune out everything after that. Thank you for covering this & I hope you will feature him daily until he is found.

[@glenjenkins920]

Everyone from Johnson city Tennessee to Alaska please be searching😔🙏🙏🙏

[@kimcroe]

Please check the lake behind his apartment. There are videos of him without a life preserver using a boat to explore that lake.

[@badluckbart3424]

He's no longer with us. How I wish he wasn't blackballed by the hobo convention. His desire to be laid to rest with former hobo kings and queens was deep. RIP Hobo Shoestring.

[@DieselDucy]

I pray that he is found. He is a great man.

[@charlieday710]

I pray you are found Mark

[@macsloan58]

A hero. He served. Respect him.

[@Wilders53]

Nothing holds as strong as a shoestring. Praying for Mark's safe return 🙏

[@19irving]

What were his medical issues?

[@uuuultra]

watch his videos

[@51-FS]

None now

[@ChainsawNW1218]

Hoping to God Shoestring is found safely, thanks for His friends help and concern, was checking NS trains yesterday when I was filming in Christiansburg VA and Radford.

[@lonewolf1401]

he has so many missing him ..praying for you shoestring

[@pearlguy6351]

Rip hobo S. 😢😢😢

[@jwigley3835]

RIP Shoestring. He seemed like such a nice dude. Watch his videos.

[@ReeseChown]

I think Shoestring took the last train to the great gig in the sky, sadly. He knows what he is doing and is an experienced train hopper. A guy like him doesn't just "go missing".

[@dmzabo3914]

If anything nefarious did occur, we can hope that they find his body for his family to let him RIP. But it's not over till the caboose pulls up the rear. Keeping faith come on Hobo get your butt home fast!

[@PatrickBaptist-vv2bg]

You people need to learn what heaven is and that Jesus Christ is the only way there, dying without the Lord Jesus Christ, well I know you have heard about hell too, that's where unbelievers go my friend.

[@ReeseChown]

@@PatrickBaptist-vv2bg Eat the pieces of corn out of my shit.

[@dmzabo3914]

@@PatrickBaptist-vv2bg , who’s you people? And just for the record most people are believers and you can preach to your own choir. Besides what does a man who rides trains have anything to do with what nonsense you are spouting on about? Beat it! No one wants to be lectured to

[@PatrickBaptist-vv2bg]

@@dmzabo3914 "most people are believers" Nope. You people as in people thinking you can ride a train to heaven, people paining up a deluded version of heaven that the bible doesn't teach about. If you don't want to hear from me then don't be a hypocrite and try to lecture me because I'll say what I want, you don't get to govern me sir/ma'am. This video was about a "person" regardless of what he did that entertained everyone else, he was a person like anyone else. Have a great day/night.

[@CraigArndt]

He was known throughout the USA, what a loss. He not only rode the rails, he educated everyone on trains, yards, operations. Very sad to hear this news. His trips to Alaska were so cool to watch, he'll be missed.

[@grantbuxton]

What a loss he was a sweet heart

[@TheYankeeGringo]

Shoestring, I'm gonna miss ya buddy. Never got to meet you. But I followed you on your videos. Enjoyed your travels. And the honorable knowledge of the rail. R.I.P. my friend ❤

[@steveruss84]

Oh not shoestring hope he is all goods and found safe and well!! Prayers from New Zealand 🙏🇳🇿

[@yolandahebert2350]

I'm praying that he is found soon. ❤️🙏

[@realmikeholman]

Worlds praying for your safe return Hobo.

[@pamelagilley1022]

🙏🏼 Praying

[@dlonegunman]

Respect for our Hero Shoestring. Bring him home safe and sound. ☝🏻🧐

[@bassranger1054]

Well damn, Riding the golden rails in paradise now buddy. RIP Shoestring

[@JJones-cl4dm]

Transient? No he had a home he just liked to ride the rails. And he wasnt hurting a thing by doing it

[@cjam3660]

I pray he got proper military bureial he was a vet

[@chapmanscreekrevival]

Prayers for Shoestrings safe and speedy return. God bless him and his family and friends.

[@dankle46]

Praying they find him😢

[@dwightmcqueen5771]

Rip buddy

[@duskbatrabbit1199]

Of the hundreds of nice pictures of Shoestring, the thumbnail here somebody, should think in their heart before they picked their thumbnails

[@JMazzaTaz]

I agree, but I think it was his driver’s license picture. That’s typically what news agencies use. Well, that or a mugshot photo, lol. I’m pretty sure this was a DL pic

[@uuuultra]

terrible pictures

[@duskbatrabbit1199]

@@oldhoghead5601 yes, I know. Maybe he didn’t look so good when he left.

[@SFbayArea94121]

@@oldhoghead5601yeah a meff addict and messaging 12 year old boys and girls 🧒 on his discord. Picture perfect 🤩 😂

[@Shawn666Hellion]

I really hope he is okay 🙏🙏

[@The-Day-Off]

Love his content hope he is found safe

[@Heath-c1y]

Wow hopes and prayers for shoestring hope he is okay

[@RoniRobergi]

I still cant believe a criminal investigation wasnt launched Why would he go swimming in the water behind his home... Something bad happened, He had no alcohal no drugs in his system...

[@scootincoop]

RIP Mr Shoestring 😢 you will be missed