Last year, the comic book community was sent reeling after one of their own went missing. Artist Norman Lee disappeared during a family vacation to the Grand Cayman Island in March 2015 after he was separated from his wife while snorkeling. After days of searching, recovery efforts were canceled because due to rough waters, but it seems the case is still being investigated. Not long ago, the FBI announced they were offering a $10,000 reward for any information leading to the man’s whereabouts.
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The FBI released a statement about the missing persons case to explain their reasoning behind the investigation. “We are seeking information about the circumstances of his disappearance and/or his current whereabouts,” they wrote. “Anyone with this information is urged to contact the FBI.”
Since Lee was a Boston native, the U.S. did get involved with search efforts when the artist went missing. Bridgewater Police Chief Christopher Delmonte spoke to CBS Local Boston about the reopened case and said there were many unanswered questions about the ordeal.
He said, “Certainly that’s part of the question. For somebody who was in good shape, took care of himself, that’s what makes it difficult to realize this may have been how this took place.”
With this new reward, Delmonte hopes the FBI and local authorities can bring closure to Lee’s loved ones. ” [We’re] trying to come to some kind of resolution, trying to be able to give some closure to the family if that’s possible at all and recover Norman,” Delmonte stressed.
Lee’s sister Rita also commented on the case’s reward. She said the investigation makes her question the case’s initial procedures and its reports.
Shortly after the artist was declared as missing, efforts were put in place to rescue Lee. Water and air rescue protocols were established and last for three days before recovery efforts wrapped. During the original investigation, police chief inspector Brad Ebanks stressed his force was using all the assets they had at their disposal.
According to a local site, recovery efforts were halted due to rough waters. Currents in the area where Lee was last seen are notorious strong, and officials deemed recovery of a body was “unlikely.”
Having worked for DC Comics and Marvel, Lee was a well-known industry professional with several decades of experience. He had inked dozens of stories and worked on series such as Avengers, Spider-Man, X-Men, and more.
Our thoughts remain with the Lee family during this trying time.
