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Sandra Yi ReportingSalt Lake police have a baffling mystery on their hands. A man vanished three days ago, and his family is now pleading for your help to find him.
Three days ago Jeff Nichols told his girlfriend he was going to be in this area of 4500 South State. That morning he disappeared without a trace.
Tim Schmitt, Brother-in-law: "He's vanished into thin air somehow."
For family and friends of Jeff Nichols, his disappearance is baffling.
Diego Briseno, Neighbor: "If you met Jeff, if you look under responsible, his picture will be there."
40-year old Nichols disappeared Tuesday morning. He told his girlfriend he was meeting his ex-wife before work to buy some golf clubs. The ex-wife told Nichols' family he never showed up.
Tim Schmitt: "Sometime between 5:30 in the morning and 7:30, when he's supposed to be at work, he's vanished. Nobody's seen him, nobody's heard from him."
Tim Schmitt bought a one way ticket to Utah from Wisconsin to search for Nichols.
Tim Schmitt: "Jeff's my brother-in-law, but he's my brother. Until we get something accomplished, I'm not leaving."
Today, he and Nichols' brother began posting flyers. They remain hopeful, but say it gets more difficult with each passing day.
Tim Schmitt: "This is the first time it's coming home. Just seeing his picture and knowing Jeff, something's wrong."
Salt Lake City police are investigating this case. They have no evidence of foul play, but say the circumstances are unusual.
Det. Phil Eslinger, Salt Lake City Police Dept.: "The thing that's interesting about this is he's got a stable job and what appears to be a stable relationship. No reason for him to all of a sudden just disappear."
Nichols is an air traffic controller at the Salt Lake Airport. He has a 7-year old son. Family and friends say he's a devoted father who would never leave his child behind.
Nichole Briseno, Neighbor: “We don’t know where he is and we miss him.”
Tim Schmitt: "We absolutely fear the worst. I hope that's not the case, but every scenario we go through in our head points to that."
His family says Nichols was upbeat and making plans for a summer vacation. He was last seen driving a 2000 white Ford Ranger. His 41st birthday, is tomorrow.
Anyone with information can call the Salt Lake City Police at 799-3000.
