Liberty, Ohio – Lori Ann Boffman, a 45-year-old mother of three and recent Ohio Lottery winner, vanished without a trace on August 5, 2006, after a day meant to be filled with joy and celebration. Nearly 20 years later, her family and authorities are still searching for answers in what remains a perplexing missing person case.
What Happened: Lori Ann Boffman’s Last Known Moments
The story begins on August 4, 2006, when Lori Ann Boffman won $1,000 in the Ohio Lottery. Elated by her win, Lori began planning a weekend of celebrations, including a family picnic and a homecoming with loved ones. Early the next morning, at around 4:00 a.m., Lori ordered $500 worth of groceries from the Giant Eagle on Belmont Avenue, marking the start of what should have been a joyful time.
On the afternoon of August 5, Lori joined her family for a picnic at a park in Youngstown. But shortly after, something changed. She left the park and returned to her residence on Holly Hill Drive in Girard. At around 6:30 p.m., Lori told her family she was going for a drive — but she never came back.
The Discovery of Lori’s Car and Mysterious Clues
In the early morning hours of August 6, a car crash call came in to Youngstown police at 3:00 a.m.. By 3:12 a.m., officers located Lori’s car, a blue 1992 Mercury Sable, which had veered off Himrod Avenue, crashed through several backyards, and stopped between two homes on North Jackson Street near Oak Street.
Inside the abandoned vehicle, police found several items belonging to Lori, including:
- Her eyeglasses
- A keychain
- Personal documents
However, Lori herself was nowhere to be found, adding to the mystery of her disappearance.
Missing Groceries and Unfinished Plans
Upon further investigation, it was revealed that Lori had never paid for or picked up the groceries she had ordered, which suggested that something had happened before the celebration even began. This, combined with the sudden and unexplained nature of her disappearance, left her family and law enforcement officers with more questions than answers.
Who Was Lori Ann Boffman?
Lori Ann Boffman was described by those who knew her as a kind, loving mother and a dedicated family member. At the time of her disappearance, she was 5’8″ to 5’9″ tall and weighed around 180 pounds. She was a person whose life was meant to be filled with happiness after her recent lottery win. Instead, her sudden disappearance shattered the plans she had for the weekend and left her loved ones in search of closure.
The Investigation and Ongoing Search
Despite extensive investigations by local authorities, including the Liberty Township Police and Youngstown Police, as well as the FBI, the mystery surrounding Lori’s disappearance remains unsolved. Her car was found abandoned with several personal items inside, but there has been no trace of Lori since. Investigators have asked the public to come forward with any information that could shed light on the case, yet the answers have been elusive.
Public and Family Reactions
Lori’s family continues to grieve, with the absence of answers leaving them in an emotional limbo. The case has gained attention over the years, with family members tirelessly appealing for help. Social media posts and calls for information have amplified the search for Lori, but her disappearance still remains one of the great unsolved mysteries in the area.
Official Statements and What Happens Next
Authorities continue to urge anyone with information to contact:
- Liberty Township Police: 330-759-1511
- Youngstown Police: 330-742-8911
- FBI: 972-559-5315
The family hopes that new information will come to light soon to bring Lori back home, or at least provide the answers they have been waiting for.
Closing Line
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
The disappearance of Lori Ann Boffman remains a heartbreaking and mysterious case, with her family still searching for answers nearly 20 years later. Please share this story and help keep the search for Lori alive. If you have any information, now is the time to speak up.
