Community Rallies for Missing Green Beret from Methodist College

News Summary

The search for retired Green Beret Clinton Bonnell, missing since January 27, 2025, intensifies in Fayetteville, NC. Transitioning to study at Methodist College, his sudden disappearance has raised alarms, prompting community efforts and a significant reward to bring him home.

Search Heats Up for Missing Green Beret in Fayetteville, NC

Fayetteville, North Carolina, has become the focal point of a heart-wrenching mystery as the search intensifies for retired Green Beret Clinton Bonnell, who has been missing since January 27, 2025. At 50 years old, Clint, as he’s affectionately known, has left family, friends, and the local community deeply concerned about his well-being. He took his final bow from the Army in December 2024, having dedicated 20 years of his life to serving his country. His sister, Stefanie Firkins, has voiced her serious worries about the suspicious circumstances surrounding her brother’s sudden disappearance.

A Strong Community Background

Born and raised in the Austin area of Texas, Clinton and Stefanie grew up in the tight-knit community of Dripping Springs. Recently, Clint had transitioned from military life to school, eagerly pursuing his studies to become a physician’s assistant at Methodist College in Fayetteville. Recent reports show he had even been elected president of his class, indicating his ambition and leadership qualities.

Just a few weeks before his disappearance, Stefanie visited Clint and described him as being in good spirits and genuinely excited about his future. Unfortunately, on January 29, she received a concerning message from Clint’s wife, stating that he hadn’t been attending class and that multiple welfare checks had been conducted by the sheriff’s office.

The Growing Concern

The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office took formal action on January 30 by asking the public for assistance in locating Clint. They updated the investigation on February 7, revealing he was last spotted in the Gray’s Creek area, wearing a plaid button-up shirt, a black hoodie, and brown pants.

Efforts increased when investigators executed a search warrant at Clint’s home on Butler Nursery Road, bringing in cadaver dogs to help in their search. Interestingly, a body was discovered in a pond off Gainey Road around the same time, but authorities promptly clarified that this was part of a separate investigation and not related to Clint’s case.

Last Known Movements

Clint’s last known sighting placed him at Fit4Life gym on January 27, where he was present from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. After that, he sent a text to a friend saying he was heading home, but he never arrived. Following his absence from class, a wellness check on February 29 revealed that while Clint’s vehicle was parked at home, he was not there.

A Family’s Desperate Search

Stefanie expressed that the whole situation is incredibly bizarre and concerning, especially given Clint’s healthy and reliable nature. It’s not like him to simply vanish. In a community where support for one another is paramount, a reward of over $25,000 has been raised to help find Clint. This financial boost aims to mobilize private investigators if needed, showing the community’s determination to bring him home.

Investigation Moves Forward

As the investigation unfolds, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office insists they are exploring every possible avenue. With the recent identification of a body possibly taking time and attention away, the hope for positive news remains strong. Authorities are still encouraging anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in this matter.

If you happen to know anything that could aid in this case, you are urged to contact the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office Detective Sergeant J. McLeod at (910) 677-5548 or to dial 911. As the search for Clint Bonnell continues, every little bit helps in bringing closure to his loving family and friends.

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Additional Resources

• WRAL News
• Fayetteville Observer
• ABC 11
• CBS 17
• Wikipedia: Missing Person