Hayden, ID — On the morning of November 11, 1984, 2-year-old Ryan Hoeffliger was reported missing from his family home on W. Dakota Avenue in Hayden. An extensive search that day led to the tragic discovery of Ryan’s lifeless body on the west shore of Hayden Lake, launching one of the most intense investigations in the history of the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.
Forty years later, troubling questions remain. How did Ryan get out of the house? How did he make it approximately 1.5 miles to the lake shore? How did he ultimately drown in the lake?
This case is surrounded by many strange circumstances, and all reasonable theories are under consideration. While it is possible that Ryan’s death was not caused by a criminal act, but rather resulted from a tragic accident, no definitive answers have emerged.
If Ryan’s death was indeed unintentional, all potential crimes associated with this case have long since passed the statute of limitations. Yet, no one has ever come forward to explain what happened to Ryan that morning.
This deeply troubling case has had a profound and lasting impact on Ryan’s family, the community, and the law enforcement officials involved in the investigation. As we approach the 40th anniversary of this case, it is important to remember Ryan, who would have turned 43 years old next September. He deserves to be remembered, and those affected by this tragedy are entitled to know the truth about what happened to him.
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information about this case to come forward. Information can be shared anonymously if desired.