George Dudding was visiting from New York and staying at a friend’s house in Ormond Beach for a couple of weeks. He left with only the clothes on his back for a walk on the beach at about 11:00 p. m. on August 8, 1999. He never returned to his friend's home -- never washed ashore -- and has never been found. He left behind his keys, wallet, money, and ID. Dudding was officially declared dead January 16, 2007. Dudding was a nationally known sculptor and left behind a wife and daughter. The police had varying theories, including a belief that Dudding was alive. But his wife believes he went swimming and drowned. Dudding had been depressed at the time. His wife has written a book about his disappearance, Waiting to Surface.