The disappearance of 17-year-old Christopher Kerze from Eagan, Minnesota, remains one of the most haunting missing person cases in American history. On April 20, 1990, Christopher told his parents he was not feeling well and decided to stay home from school. When his mother returned home that afternoon, the house was silent — and Christopher was gone. All that was left behind was a short, chilling note that has haunted investigators and his family for more than three decades.
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“Mother, something important has come to light. I’ll come back later — if I don’t get lost.”
(The word “lost” was underlined twice.)
To this day, no one knows what happened to Christopher. Despite years of investigation, his case remains unsolved, filled with unanswered questions and lingering heartbreak.
What Happened to Christopher Kerze
On the morning of his disappearance, Christopher stayed home from school, saying he wasn’t feeling well. When his parents left for work, nothing seemed unusual. But by the time his mother came home, Christopher was nowhere to be found. At first, his family believed he might have gone to visit friends or simply needed some time alone. However, hours turned into days with no contact, and their concern quickly turned into fear.
Soon after, police found Christopher’s car abandoned in a remote area far from his home. There was no sign of struggle, no personal belongings left behind, and no indication of where he might have gone. The discovery deepened the mystery. The note he left — with the word “lost” underlined twice — became the most significant clue in the entire case.
A Mystery That Continues to Baffle
Over the years, authorities have followed numerous leads, but none have led to answers. Some believe Christopher may have chosen to disappear voluntarily, while others suspect foul play or a tragic accident. Yet, nothing has ever been proven.
Friends and family described Christopher as intelligent, responsible, and kind. He had no history of running away, no signs of emotional distress, and seemed to have a bright future ahead. That makes his disappearance even more perplexing. What could have caused him to leave so suddenly, without telling anyone where he was going?
Despite countless interviews and extensive searches, investigators have never uncovered concrete evidence of Christopher’s fate. His disappearance continues to haunt both his family and the community.
The Cryptic Note
The handwritten note Christopher left behind remains one of the most puzzling elements of the case. Its tone was calm but deeply mysterious. The phrase “something important has come to light” has sparked endless speculation. Did Christopher uncover something significant? Was it a personal realization, a metaphor, or a warning?
The underlined word “lost” adds even more weight to the mystery. Was Christopher foreshadowing his fate? Was he trying to say he might lose himself emotionally or physically? Or did he truly intend to return home but somehow couldn’t?
For more than three decades, that note has been the key to understanding Christopher’s disappearance — yet it offers more questions than answers.
The Family’s Endless Search for Answers
Christopher’s family has never stopped searching for him. His parents have made numerous public appeals, participated in interviews, and worked with missing person organizations in hopes of finding even the smallest clue. The pain of not knowing has taken an enormous emotional toll on them.
His mother, in particular, has become an advocate for keeping missing person cases alive in the public eye. She continues to speak about Christopher’s story to remind others that behind every missing case is a family waiting for answers.
Even after so many years, the Kerze family still holds on to hope — that one day someone will come forward with the truth or that new evidence will finally bring closure.
The Case Remains Open
Christopher’s disappearance remains an open and active investigation in Minnesota. Law enforcement officials continue to review the case periodically and have urged anyone with information to contact them. Advances in technology and forensic science give investigators renewed hope that someday they might uncover a lead that was previously missed.
Meanwhile, online true-crime communities and missing persons advocates continue to share Christopher’s story. His disappearance remains a topic of discussion on forums, social media, and podcasts dedicated to cold cases, ensuring that his memory and story are never forgotten.
A Legacy of Unanswered Questions
More than 35 years later, the disappearance of Christopher Kerze stands as a chilling reminder of how quickly a life can vanish and how some mysteries never fade. His story is one of confusion, grief, and resilience — a family’s never-ending search for truth.
Was Christopher truly “lost,” as his note suggested? Or was there something more behind his disappearance? The truth remains hidden, but the hope for answers lives on.
Christopher’s memory endures through those who loved him, those who continue to seek justice, and those who refuse to let his story be forgotten.
If you have any information about the disappearance of Christopher Kerze, please contact the Eagan Police Department or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.