New Tip Prompts 2026 Search in Hudson Valley’s Oldest Missing Teens Mystery

The Oldest Missing Teens In America Case Stems From The Hudson Valley

In July of 1973, 15 year-old Bonita "Bonnie" Bickwit and 16-year-old Mitchel Weiser left Narrowsburg, NY in Sullivan County to visit Watkins Glen, NY.

The two teens were embarking on a trip to see Summer Jam featuring bands like Grateful Dead, the Band, and the Allman Brothers.

Bickwit and Weiser were never heard from again. According to Rolling Stone, this is the oldest, active, missing teens case in America.

Recently, the New York State Police shared they were continuing to look into the case after more information came to light.

NYS Police Look Into Cold Missing Teens Case in Sullivan County

In a press release shared to social media the New York State Police share they conducted a search back in June of this year.

The statement explains:

On June 19, 2026 a coordinated search was conducted by the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office and the New York State Police on a property located in Steuben County, NY.

According to the statement, law enforcement (New York State Police, They searched the property after receiving a tip.

Unfortunately, after an "extensive search of the area the operation yielded negative results."

The New York State Police and Sullivan County Sheriff's Office say that they remain dedicated to "pursuing any available leads regarding this investigation.

If you have any information regarding Bickwit and Weiser whereabouts or details about the investigation call the NYS Troopers at 845-344-5300 or the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office, Detective Cintron at 845-807-0849.

Take a look at the age progression photos provided by MissingsKids.org:

via MissingKids.org

2024: NYS Police Investigate Missing Sullivan County Teens Case

This isn't the firs time the New York State Police followed new leads into the case.

Rolling Stone reports that back in 2024 New York State Police were investigating a lead that took them to Rhode Island.

According to RS, the NYS Police questioned 74-year-old Allyn Smith. The article explains that Smith told police that he hitchhiked home from Watkins Glens with the teens hours before the concert was over.

Smith shared that the he and the teens were picked up by a driver in an orange Volkswagen.

While on the way home the van pulled over near a river so they could cool off and according to Smith, Bickwit accidentally fell into the water. That's when Mitchel jumped in after her.

The hitchhiking group never saw them again. You can read the full story and Smith's take on the Rolling Stone website.