Summary of Dateline Missing in America - Ep. 19: Into Thin Air

Introduction

“Into Thin Air” delves into the mysterious disappearance of Terrence Woods Jr., a 26-year-old production assistant who vanished while working on a television shoot in the remote wilderness of Idaho County, Idaho. Hosted by Josh Mankiewicz, this episode explores the intricate web of Terrence's life, the baffling circumstances surrounding his disappearance, and the enduring quest of his family to uncover the truth.

Terrence Woods Jr.'s Background

Terrence Woods Jr. was the eldest of two boys, raised in Prince George's County, Maryland, near Washington, D.C. From a young age, he exhibited a passion for adventure and a keen interest in journalism. His father, Terrence Woods Sr., described him as someone “always outgoing, always wanted to see the world” (02:51). Terrence pursued his ambition by majoring in broadcast journalism at the University of Maryland, where he excelled academically and professionally.

After earning his Bachelor's degree in 2013, Terrence moved to London to further his studies, obtaining a master’s degree in international relations. His mentor in London, Joanna Abei, highlighted his dedication and exceptional work ethic, noting, “He would always go the extra mile” (06:28).

The Disappearance

In July 2018, after five years in London, Terrence returned to Maryland, signaling a new chapter in his life. Shortly after, he joined RAW TV, an independent production company, to work on a reality series titled "Gold Dave Turin's Lost Mine." On September 30, 2018, Terrence flew to Missoula, Montana, for the shoot. His father received a text that day confirming his safe arrival in Missoula and another check-in call from Terrence that late evening (26:13).

However, on October 6, 2018, Terrence failed to return from a day of shooting in Idaho County. At 7:40 AM, Terrence Sr. received a distressing call informing him that his son had reportedly "gone off a cliff." Subsequent eyewitness accounts contradicted the official narrative, suggesting that Terrence did not fall accidentally but ran violently from the scene (10:08).

Investigation and Official Accounts

Doug Giddings, the former sheriff overseeing the case, expressed his confusion over the myriad of possibilities surrounding Terrence's disappearance. “[Terrence's] case is interesting because there are so many possibilities that just kind of boggles [his] mind” (01:57). The investigation revealed that Terrence was last seen near an abandoned mine in dense, rugged terrain devoid of cell service. Witnesses, including a local woman handling transportation for the crew, recounted seeing Terrence sprint down a steep embankment, a feat unlikely to be spontaneous given the challenging landscape filled with wildlife and hidden dangers (12:57).

Despite extensive search efforts involving heat-seeking drones, search dogs, and expert trackers, no concrete evidence of Terrence's whereabouts was found. The search was officially called off on October 11, 2018, after six days without any leads (20:55).

Family and Associates’ Perspectives

Terrence Sr. has remained unconvinced by the official story, believing his son might not have even reached Idaho. “In my heart, I don't think my son made it to Idaho. I think whatever took place took place before Idaho” (23:38). He points to the absence of photos, videos, or any physical evidence confirming Terrence’s presence in Idaho County.

Bethany Swain, a former professor and friend, described Terrence as methodical and thoughtful, traits inconsistent with the sudden disappearance. “Absolutely none of it made sense to me” (21:56). Similarly, Joanna Abei, his mentor in London, found Terrence’s abrupt vanishing behavior uncharacteristic, emphasizing that something must have profoundly disturbed him to act against his nature (22:26).

Suspicions and Theories

Terrence Sr. theorizes that his son may have encountered something troubling before arriving in Idaho, suggesting a more complex scenario than a simple accidental fall. “I think my son saw something or heard something and didn't agree to it or didn't want to be a part of it” (31:01). He also expressed skepticism regarding the communication from RAW TV, specifically recalling an unsettling conversation where a producer allegedly criticized Terrence's job performance before informing him of the disappearance, a detail that RAW TV later denied (18:28).

Current Status and How to Help

Terrence Woods Jr.'s case remains open and active, with the Idaho County Sheriff’s Office continuing to seek information. Terrence Sr. urges anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward, emphasizing the lingering questions and the absence of closure for his family. The episode encourages listeners to visit datelinemissinginamerica.com for more information and to submit any potential cases for future coverage.

Conclusion

“Into Thin Air” presents a compelling exploration of Terrence Woods Jr.’s disappearance, highlighting the complexities and unresolved aspects of the case. Through interviews with family, friends, and officials, the episode underscores the profound impact of Terrence’s vanishing and the enduring hope for answers. The Woods family’s unwavering pursuit of the truth encapsulates the heart-wrenching reality faced by many families dealing with mysterious disappearances.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Terrence Woods Sr.: “Hell, like cancer. Like knowing something's gonna kill you, but you gotta deal with it and keep going” (01:16)

• Doug Giddings: “There's so many possibilities that just kind of boggles his mind. That's why it's an interesting case” (01:57)

• Bethany Swain: “Everything about the stories after Terrence's disappearance I would describe as weird” (01:44)

• Terrence Woods Sr.: “Somebody know the truth. But I don't think my son leaped off no cliff at night and disappeared off the face of the earth” (35:20)

• Joanna Abei: “If that's accurate and he ran off, then something definitely, definitely worried him or upset him because that's just not what he would have done” (22:26)

Note: Section timestamps correspond to their placement in the original transcript.