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Clark Street Pool Closes Amidst Search, Bewildering Disappearance Leaves Authorities With Few Leads


June 12th, 1996

Web posted at: 4:36 p.m. CST



Last Tuesday, Michael Smith (10) vanished from the Clark Street pool. His parents had brought him and his sister to the pool to celebrate the end of the school year; they never imagined that their son would disappear without a trace.

Clark Street pool, two days after Michael's disappearance


"One moment, he was by our side waiting in line for ice cream. The next, he was gone," Sandra Smith, the boy's mother, told reporters. "We looked - believe me, we looked - but there was nothing to follow. Not even any footprints, even though he'd just gotten out of the water."


Authorities ran into the same issue. Michaels has not been located in any suspected spots, such as his school, and appears to have left behind no physical evidence that could point toward where he went.


"As of now, we don't suspect he's been kidnapped," said lead investigator John Barley. "Out of the many witnesses who were present at the time of Smith's disappearance, none said they saw anyone suspicious at the pool that day, nor anyone near him besides his parents and sibling. It appears that Smith left of his own accord. For what reason, we're not sure."


Michael's parents, however, dispute this claim. They argue that their son had no reason to leave their side.


"Michael is a very happy boy. He's never even hinted at a desire to run away. It just doesn't add up, there must be something more going on here," said Michael's father.


Multiple search parties have been sent into the nearby woods, but still no traces of the boy have been found. If you see Michaels or have any information on his whereabouts, please contact Springfield Police Department.



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