Local Man Mysteriously Disappears

FENWICK ISLAND – A search continued yesterday for a local man who went missing late Tuesday night in Fenwick Island after last being seen leaving a party, as Delaware law enforcement agencies coordinated with volunteers to comb the area.

Gregory R. Forte, 29, of Selbyville, was last seen around 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the area of South Carolina Ave. and the beach in Fenwick Island. Forte, a popular local and soccer coach with ties to area youth programs, was reportedly at a party at a condominium Tuesday when he left unannounced and without his shoes.

When he did not return home on Wednesday, family members became concerned and went to the area of South Carolina Ave. where he was last seen and found his vehicle, a gray Jeep Cherokee, in a condominium parking lot with the door open, the keys in the ignition and the radio playing. Forte’s cell phone was also found in the vehicle, and perhaps more importantly, his hat was found near the dune at the entrance to the beach.

Despite blizzard conditions on Wednesday, Delaware law enforcement officials searched the area to no avail. Yesterday, fire department personnel hastily organized over 10 volunteers into groups of five to seven people to continue the search.

Volunteers and officials began the search in the area of South Carolina Ave. where Forte was last seen and expanded the effort to other streets, the beach and areas outside town limits.

Forte is described as a white male, about 5’11” and around 165 pounds with brown eyes and brown hair. He was last seen wearing blue jeans and a gray hooded sweatshirt. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Delaware State Police, Troop 7, at 302-644-5020. Anyone wishing to join the search effort is urged to meet at the Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company, Station 70, behind the Fenwick Island Town Hall.