Family Desperate for Answers in Missing Man Case

Family Desperate for Answers in Missing Man Case

June 8th, 2006 @ 3:44pm

Sandra Yi reporting

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=299515

Two years ago today, a Salt Lake City man disappeared without a trace. His friends and family are still desperate for answers.

Today, the family of Jeff Nichols, who live out of state, are holding a prayer remembrance in his honor.                                      

In the past two years, there have been no good leads, but they suspect foul play. His friends agree, that’s the only way to explain his disappearance.

Pam Sheeler, Friend: “The pain is still there every time I’m reminded of it.”  Pam Sheeler remembers the day she heard about the disappearance of her friend and co-worker.  Pam Sheeler: “We were just devastated, and we knew that something went wrong.”

That was 2 years ago, and there’s still no sign of him.

Tim Hirsch, Friend: “At the time he disappeared, everybody thought, he’s a male and he’s ran off on his own.”

Tim Blair, Friend: “That’s not the type of person he was. He loved his son more than anything, and just to up and leave, and leave his son behind, isn’t something he would do.”

Nichols was an air traffic controller at the Salt Lake airport. He was last seen on June 8th, 2004. He told his girlfriend he was meeting his ex-wife to buy some golf clubs. His ex-wife said he never showed up. Nichols’ car was found a few days later.

Tom Blair, Friend: “It’s just not knowing is the hardest part.”

But friends and family have their suspicions, which include questions for Nichols’ ex-wife.

Last year, Shelby Nichols was indicted for bankruptcy fraud. There’s a warrant for her arrest, in connection with those charges. Nichols’ family recently found out, she left the country, with the couple’s son.

Tom Blair, Friend: “Until we find out something for sure, we’re always going to have the hope that we’ll be able to find him someday.” Until then, friends continue to put up flyers. They don’t want Nichols to be forgotten.Pam Sheeler: “It’s very sad. I just wish for myself, all of us here at work that loved him, and his family, especially, if they could just get some closure on this.”

Nichol’s family is offering a $10,000 reward in this case. If you have any information, call Salt Lake City Police.

Website: http://www.helpfindjeff.com