Cold Case Files: On August 1, 2022, 26-year-old Jonah Isaiah Crouch disappeared from a residence in Ozark

On August 1, 2022, 26-year-old Jonah Isaiah Crouch disappeared from a residence in Ozark, leaving behind a baffling mystery that continues to stump investigators and haunt his family.

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office is still seeking answers in the case.

Jonah, a white male standing 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 150 pounds, was last seen sprinting up a wooded hill behind a home in Ozark, a small town of about 3,500 in Franklin County. Described as having brown hair and striking blue eyes, Jonah was wearing casual clothing (likely jeans and a t-shir) when he vanished.

Witnesses reported no signs of distress or conflict prior to his sudden departure. One friend recalled Jonah mentioning a need to "clear his head," while another thought he shouted, "I'll be right back!" as he ran. He never returned.

The Sheriff's Office launched an immediate search, deploying deputies, cadaver dogs, and drones to scour the rugged terrain of the Ozark National Forest, where the hill leads. Despite extensive efforts, no trace of Jonah was found...no phone, wallet, or evidence of a struggle. His truck remained parked at his residence, keys still in the ignition. Phone records show his last activity at 2:17 p.m. that day, with no further pings.

Investigators explored multiple theories. The Ozarks’ treacherous landscape, which is riddled with sinkholes, ravines, and dense underbrush, raises the possibility of an accident. Heatstroke or dehydration could have claimed Jonah, though no body has been recovered, unusual for the region where remains are often found by hunters or hikers.

Foul play is another angle, given Franklin County’s occasional issues with drug activity along rural corridors like Highway 23. Tips, including a reported sighting at a Russellville gas station and a possible hitchhiker near the Mulberry River, were investigated but debunked or unverified.

Jonah, originally from the Fort Smith area, worked odd jobs in construction and maintenance. Friends described him as kind but private, with no known enemies.

Unconfirmed reports suggest he may have struggled with anxiety or substance use, common in rural communities, prompting speculation of a voluntary disappearance or mental health crisis. No note or digital trail supports this theory, and his social media had been dormant for months.

The case went cold until May 20, 2024, when it was entered into NamUs, reigniting public interest. Jonah would now be 29 years old.

His mother, Belinda Crouch, passed away in 2023, unaware her son was missing, according to her obituary. His family and community continue to seek closure.

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office urges anyone with information to contact them at (479) 667-4912 or the Arkansas State Police Missing Persons Unit. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to NamUs at 1-800-CALL-NAMUS or via neverforgotten.ar.gov.