Parents Offer Reward for Missing 19-Year-Old
The family of 19-year-old Robert Shirah is seeking information after he was last seen in Wilmington.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Religion — General
The parents of Robert Shirah have announced a $25,000 reward for information leading to the return of their 19-year-old son. He was reported missing after the family stayed at a home on Sea Oats Lane.
Why it matters
The family hopes the significant reward will encourage community members to come forward with verified information regarding the teenager's location. Police are currently working through investigative leads and various unconfirmed reports of sightings.
The family has posted a $25,000 reward for information concerning the 19-year-old. While unconfirmed reports place him in Whiteville, Fair Bluff, and Myrtle Beach, his official status remains that of a missing person.
The players
Robert Shirah
The 19-year-old individual who was last seen in the Wilmington area and is the subject of an active missing person investigation.
The details
Authorities are tracking investigative leads following reports that the teenager was seen crossing the Heide Trask Drawbridge and near the intersection of Eastwood Road and Racine Drive. Family members discovered he was missing the morning after they had been staying at a home located on Sea Oats Lane.
Timeline
October 18, 2026, 12:47 a.m.: Robert Shirah crossed the Heide Trask Drawbridge.
October 18, 2026, 1:48 a.m.: Robert Shirah was seen at Eastwood Road and Racine Drive.
Culture Shift
This search effort reflects the growing trend of families utilizing private financial incentives to supplement traditional law enforcement missing person investigations. It marks a departure from reliance solely on official searches as families increasingly turn to public outreach.
Residents in the Wilmington area are encouraged to report any sightings of the 19-year-old to local law enforcement. Community members should remain vigilant in the areas of Eastwood Road and Racine Drive as the investigation continues.
The takeaway
The family is asking that anyone with specific knowledge of the teenager's location contact local authorities immediately. Direct communication with the police is the most effective way to ensure information reaches investigators during this search.
Further reading
For updates on local community affairs, visit the Religion — General section.
