Lest we forget: David Cook

David Cook

He was known as an easy going fella, who wouldn't hurt a fly. David Cook, then 56, of Amsterdam had a normal day on November 18, 2008 of working on his cattle ranch and later went to his other job at the Kansas City Power and Light plant near LaCygne, KS. His last known sighting was when he left the plant around 10:30 p.m.

November 19th started as any other day, with a quick meeting with a ranch employee around 7 a.m. While authorities question the employee's story, it is thought that David then tended to cattle and headed home on his four wheeler.

Later that day, concern arose when Cook failed to attend a meeting with his business partners. Equally unsettling was the fact that he missed work at the plant that afternoon- now family and friends became immediately concerned.

David Cook maintained an 8,000 acre ranch near Amsterdam
Mo. before vanishing on Nov. 19, 2008

Investigators say Cook's cell phone had not been used in several days. It was stated that he usually called friends and family several times a day and a lack of communication was quite unusual.

Early in the investigation Judy Transue, Cook's sister, expressed concern that foul play was involved- but has remained optimistic "Hopefully, somebody knows something and will call in."

Even in the earliest hours on November 20th, a large search party was formed to scour the area with no results. According to police, David’s house wasn't in disarray; his truck was in the driveway, and his was billfold untouched in the house. While everything might have appeared normal, Cook had simply vanished.

Fast forward five years- no new leads, no new information and at this point, the disappearance of David Cook is considered a cold case. However, a combined reward of $80,000 remains in place.

Any new leads in the case would be welcomed by the Bates County Sheriff's Department at 660-679-3232.