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Unusual Missing Person Stories

Jul 9, 2025

Overview

The episode shares two unusual missing person stories: one involving a fisherman lost at sea under grisly circumstances, and another about a man with amnesia whose true identity is revealed years later in an unexpected way.

Story 1: The Lost Fisherman

  • A fisherman named Michael Edwards was washed overboard during a storm off the coast of Queensland, Australia.
  • The crew searched for Michael but, after hours of unsuccessful attempts, presumed he had drowned.
  • Despite the tragedy, the crew chose to continue fishing due to financial necessity and hope of recovering Michael's body.
  • Days later, a factory worker discovered Michael's undigested head inside a large cod caught by the crew, indicating he was attacked by predators soon after falling overboard.

Story 2: The Amnesiac in Wyoming

  • In 1994, a man woke up with amnesia, injuries, and no belongings in a Wyoming ditch, recalling only the names Pat, Joel, and Chris.
  • Helped by a stranger, he adopted the name “Pat Brown” and sought help at a shelter and police station, but no records matched his description.
  • Over months, he noticed skills in math and finance and recurring dreams involving a family, but could not regain his full memory.
  • After several years, he reached out to “Unsolved Mysteries,” whose broadcast led his wife in Indiana to recognize him.
  • He was identified as Carl Brodnick Jr., a wanted felon and missing person, having disappeared while under investigation for embezzlement.
  • The prevailing theory suggests he was assaulted by dangerous individuals he owed money, resulting in real amnesia, but some details remain unexplained.
  • Carl was reunited with his family but subsequently arrested; he pled guilty but claimed no memory of his crimes and ultimately received probation.

Podcast and Content Promotion

  • Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to the channel, and check out related “strange, dark, and mysterious” podcasts from Ballin Studios, including new and existing shows.

Decisions

  • Crew chose to continue fishing after Michael’s presumed death to secure needed income despite the traumatic loss.

Action Items

  • TBD – Listeners: Subscribe to the channel and check out Ballin Studios podcasts for similar content.