Three years later and still no answers in mysterious celebrity disappearance

By Cynthia Hunt
Posted October 16, 2009

On the eve of what would be Chris Kirkpatrick's thirty-eighth birthday, and the third anniversary of his mysterious disappearance, people are once again asking "why?" Fans of Kirkpatrick held a vigil outside his uninhabited Orlando home yesterday, and though the turnout was much less than last year, hundreds still gathered to mourn the singer and offer comfort and solidarity.

"It's just a way of showing our support for his family and friends, and to keep up hope," one fan at the vigil told reporters. She and several of her friends were outside the singer's empty house from three o'clock this morning, the time police believe he disappeared. "We don't want to disturb anyone, his family or anybody. We just want to show the world that he is still missed, and to pray and beg that he'll return safely," the fan added.

The fans, gathered politely across the street, were orderly and calm. Many of them were singing the songs that made Kirkpatrick famous, but no one in the neighborhood complained. In fact, many of the neighbors joined the crowd throughout the day, either to light a candle in hope or simply to show respect.

Kirkpatrick's family, who inherited the title of the house after his disappearance, sold it to his charity for little more than the legal fee. It now stands empty. The Kirkpatrick Foundation intends to move their primary headquarters into the building eventually. A representative for the foundation said, "We appreciate the show of support. Just like everyone else, we miss Chris greatly."

Kirkpatrick's mother was not present in the afternoon crowd, nor were any of his former band mates. It was reported, however, that JC Chasez did make a brief appearance right at three AM. The few lucky fans who were around to see Chasez report that he lit a candle, spoke to a few people and then drove off again. Lance Bass and Joey Fatone were at their respective homes on opposite sides of the country, and in what is fast becoming popular legend, Justin Timberlake was nowhere to be seen.

Timberlake, who vanished from the public eye at the same time as Kirkpatrick's disappearance, has been spotted in various cities within the last three years. From Tampa to San Francisco, the aging but somehow ageless star has been trailed by journalists and fans alike. For his part, Timberlake plays the elusive recluse, sticking to his plea, made through his family when Kirkpatrick first disappeared, to simply be left alone.

Many of the fans gathered yesterday still remember NSYNC's successes from years gone by. Their devotion and love was evident. Though the police and FBI have released no new information on the case in over a year, many still believe that Kirkpatrick is alive and hold out hope that some day his abductors will release him. However, many more simply pray that some closure is eventually found, both for themselves and for his family. Though it does not stop fans from hoping, there is still no conclusive evidence to his whereabouts.