Blake's Mystery
Blake Royse Nex vanished from Claremont in Los Angeles County on March 20, 1993, at age 37.
Leaving fresh groceries and his cats behind, all communication with his family and friends ceased, which was out of character for him. There's reason to believe he didn’t walk away willingly.
Blake stood 6 feet tall and weighed 175 pounds. He had brown hair and brown eyes.
What happened to Blake Royse Nex?
Help us solve this 32-year mystery - any detail could break the case.
Who is Blake?
Blake Royse Nex was born on May 20, 1955, in Phoenix, AZ.
Raised in California with two siblings, Blake spent most of his life in Southern California, particularly in the Claremont area. He attended Western Christian High School before transferring to Claremont High School.
As you can see in his most recent photo, Blake liked wearing a flat-top hairstyle, a style common in his youth. A man of many pursuits, Blake later in life took an interest in bodybuilding, always pushing himself to be stronger.
Blake also had a close bond with his longtime friend Steve and Steve’s family. His daughters even called him “Uncle Blake", showing just how much he meant to the people in his life.
Blake had a sharp mind, a great sense of humor, and an unmistakable presence. Friends were drawn to his quick wit, and warm personality. He was the kind of person who left a lasting impression - bright, likable, and unforgettable.
More about Blake’s life coming soon - we're still gathering information, so check back for updates as new details emerge.
Timeline
*** WORK IN PROGRESS
Early March, 1993
Blake lives in a rented house in Palmer Canyon, Claremont, California. Around this time, he is still in contact with friends and family, though the details of his last conversations remain unclear.
March 20th, 1993
After not having heard from Blake, his family grows increasingly concerned. They check his house. The place is undisturbed - no signs of struggle, no forced entry. But something is deeply wrong. Fresh groceries from a recent shopping trip sit untouched, his two cats are still inside. The scene suggests he had planned to return soon - but he never did. Based on the groceries and the cats' condition, Blake had likely been gone for days before anyone realized. Where did he go?
Late March, 1993
Blake’s family checks Ontario Airport, CA to see if Blake's tan Toyota truck is there - it isn’t. But when they check again some time later, the airport claims the truck is now on the lot! When did the truck actually arrive? Who drove it there? At the time, Ontario Airport may not have had computerized records, and no official tracking is available. Law enforcement does nothing.
April 1st, 1993
The LA County Sheriff’s Department, having been notified of Blake’s disappearance, do not file a missing persons report despite the concerning circumstances. At the time, law enforcement was not required to take reports for missing adults unless there was clear evidence of foul play. Blake’s case is dismissed as "voluntary disappearance" without investigation. No foul play is noted, but not all family members were interviewed, resulting in a sparse initial record.
1993 - 2010
Despite his family’s insistence that Blake would never leave without telling them, law enforcement does not take any noteworthy action. No formal search is conducted. No evidence is collected. For 17 years, the case is ignored. During this time, Blake’s mother suffers immensely. She spends years waiting for answers that never come, hoping for even the smallest sign of what happened to her son. In 2010, she survives a severe accident, enduring a painful and lengthy recovery. Blake's brother cares for her as best as he can, but one wound never heals - the unanswered question of Blake’s fate.
December 2010
Desperate for action, the family once again pushes the LA County Sheriff’s Department (Missing Persons Unit, Homicide Bureau) to officially reopen the case. They provide Blake’s dental X-rays and photographs, but law enforcement still drags its feet.
March 2011
For the first time - 18 years after Blake disappeared - the LA County Sheriff’s Department finally files an official missing person’s report. Blake is entered into MUPS (Missing and Unidentified Persons System). No new investigation follows.
The case quickly goes cold once again. Blake remains missing.
December 2017
Blake's mother passes away, never knowing what happened to her son. She spent the last decades of her life in quiet anguish, longing for answers she would never receive.
Recreation of Blake's light tan Toyota truck at Ontario Int. Airport, CA (created by Grok (xAI))
Blake and his mom
January 2025
New efforts to solve Blake’s case begin. The family refuses to let his disappearance be forgotten.
Got a lead? Share it below.
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Can you help?
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Were you in the Claremont area around March 20, 1993? Did you notice anything unusual?
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Did you know Blake - friend, neighbor, coworker, or acquaintance?
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Did anyone in Blake’s circle act strangely after he vanished - odd behavior, sudden moves, unusual comments?
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Do you remember seeing Blake’s truck around the time of his disappearance? Was it parked somewhere unexpected?
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Did you work at or have any connection to Ontario Airport in 1993? Do you recall anything unusual about a vehicle appearing there?
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Were you in Palmer Canyon during that time? Do you remember anything about Blake’s house or belongings?
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Have you heard anything, big or small, that could help shed light on Blake’s fate?
Know something? Your tip could solve this.
