Disappearance of Freddie Goodwin

Freddie Goodwin
Born	Frederick James Goodwin (1995-09-04)September 4, 1995 Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England
Nationality	British
Known for	Disappearance
Parent(s)	Margaret Goodwin (mother) Thomas Goodwin (father)

The disappearance of Freddie Goodwin occurred on 17 October 2020, when 25-year-old university student Freddie Goodwin vanished while hiking along the Snake Pass in Derbyshire, England. Despite extensive search efforts, no trace of Goodwin has ever been found. His disappearance remains unsolved, and it has been the subject of ongoing speculation and numerous investigative theories.

Background

Freddie Goodwin was born on 4 September 1995 in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, to Margaret and Thomas Goodwin. He was a postgraduate environmental science student at the University of Manchester at the time of his disappearance. Described as quiet but friendly, Goodwin was an experienced solo hiker who frequently explored the Peak District on weekends.

On 17 October 2020, Goodwin told his housemate he planned to hike the Snake Pass trail, a remote route through the Pennines known for its beautiful yet harsh terrain. He left Manchester early that morning and was last seen on CCTV purchasing supplies at a petrol station in Glossop at 7:43 a.m.

Disappearance

Goodwin's last known communication was a photo he sent via WhatsApp at 9:11 a.m., showing a foggy overlook on the A57. When he failed to return home or respond to messages, his housemate contacted authorities the following morning.

Derbyshire Police, with assistance from local mountain rescue teams, launched a large-scale search. Helicopters, drones, and scent-tracking dogs were deployed across the Snake Pass region, but no physical evidence was ever found. His mobile phone last pinged a tower at 9:23 a.m., then lost connection. There was no activity on his bank accounts or social media after that date.

Investigation

The official investigation considered several possibilities:

• **Accidental death** – Authorities speculated that Goodwin may have fallen or become lost in the rugged terrain, especially given the poor visibility that day.
• **Voluntary disappearance** – Some investigators entertained the idea that he may have chosen to vanish, though friends and family rejected this, citing his stable academic and personal life.
• **Foul play** – While no signs of struggle were found, isolated sightings and conspiracy theories have suggested the possibility of abduction or encounter with unknown persons.

As of 2025, Goodwin remains listed as a missing person. The case was featured on the BBC’s Missing Persons: Cold Files in April 2023, renewing public interest but yielding no breakthroughs.

Public response

Goodwin’s disappearance received widespread media attention, especially across Northern England. Vigils were held in both Sheffield and Manchester, and his parents regularly appealed to the public for information. Online forums and amateur investigators have proposed a range of theories, from misadventure to organized crime involvement, though none have been substantiated.

Recent developments

In October 2024, a hiker in the Kinder Scout region discovered a weathered backpack containing a university ID and some personal items belonging to Goodwin. The area was subsequently re-searched, but no further evidence was recovered.

Derbyshire Police stated that the discovery did not conclusively determine his fate but indicated he may have diverted from his intended route.

See also

• List of people who disappeared
• Disappearance of Corrie McKeague
• Disappearance of Leah Croucher

External links

• Derbyshire Police – Missing persons appeal