Daniel Cornelius Robinson was born on 14 January 1997, in Columbia, South Carolina. He was born without his right hand and part of his forearm but that never stopped him from living a full and active life.
He was involved in sports and enjoyed playing music during his younger years. In 2019, he graduated from the College of Charleston with a degree in geology, according to NPR.
After graduation, Daniel moved to Arizona where he began working as a field geologist for Matrix New World Engineering. His job involved inspecting and analyzing remote desert sites. His father, David Robinson described Daniel as someone who was adventurous and determined—someone who would “go after whatever he wants.”
Disappearance
On the morning of 23 June 2021, Daniel was last seen around 9:15 a.m. as he left a work site near Sun Valley Parkway and Cactus Road in Buckeye, Arizona.
A coworker, Kenneth Elliott recalled that Daniel’s behavior seemed unusual that day. Elliott told The Independent, “He was just looking off into the desert; he had a very, very distant look in his eyes.” Daniel then got into his blue-gray 2017 Jeep Renegade and drove off into the desert without telling anyone where he was going.
Discovery of the Vehicle
Almost a month later, on 19 July 2021, a local rancher found Daniel’s Jeep Renegade overturned in a ravine about four miles from the original job site, according to 12 News. The vehicle had suffered heavy damage and the airbags had been deployed. Daniel’s cellphone, wallet and keys were all found inside the vehicle but there was no sign of Daniel himself.
The Buckeye Police Department said the Jeep had “significant damage” and wasn’t visible during earlier searches due to the difficult terrain (WGLT).
Unsatisfied with the direction of the official investigation, Daniel’s father hired Jeff McGrath, a private investigator and accident reconstruction expert.
McGrath found several suspicious details at the scene. He noted that after the airbags deployed, someone tried to start the ignition 46 more times. He also found red paint on the Jeep, possibly suggesting it had been involved in another collision before the rollover.
McGrath told Fox 10 Phoenix, “After the airbags came out, somebody turned that ignition over at least 46 more times. That’s not normal.” David Robinson added, “My investigator found that there was a form of foul play there, and the vehicle was staged.”
Concerning Behavior Before Disappearance
Friends and family had noticed changes in Daniel’s behavior in the weeks before he disappeared. They reported that he was not acting like himself. He had left his apartment door wide open on more than one occasion and would sometimes sit in silence when visited.
He also became deeply attached to a woman he had met while delivering groceries. Despite her lack of interest, Daniel made repeated visits and even expressed feelings of love toward her.
According to The Independent, McGrath pointed out that there were no signs that Daniel was preparing to disappear on purpose—there were no alternate IDs, no financial withdrawals or any other indicators of planned absence.
Ongoing Search Efforts
David Robinson has remained committed to finding his son. He has led over 50 search efforts in the Arizona desert and created a website, pleasehelpfinddaniel.com, to update the public and organize volunteers.
He’s also held candlelight vigils and events to honor Daniel and bring attention to other missing person cases. In April 2025, Joseph Petito, father of Gabby Petito joined one of the search parties to show support.
Joe Petito told the New York Post, “It’s inspirational, the amount of energy it takes to do what he does with the heartache and the unknowing that goes on every day.”
Current Status
As of May 2025, Daniel Robinson is still missing. The Buckeye Police Department continues to follow up on leads and analyze digital data related to the case.
The investigation remains open and the Robinson family along with supporters continues to hope for answers. Despite national attention and tireless efforts, the mystery behind Daniel’s disappearance remains unsolved.
