My name is Mary Kelsoe, and I’m begging for help.
My brother, Bear Kelsoe, is missing — and we have no answers.
On the night of October 6th, Bear vanished. His phone was found shortly after, without him. The fact his phone was left behind is a strong red flag and very abnormal. That’s one of many reasons we believe something serious has happened. He would never vanish like this on his own. Normally, he is glued to his phone — he never goes anywhere without it.
He hasn’t updated anyone. He has many people’s numbers memorized, yet no one has received a call. Not even his best friend knows where he could be! That was the part that concerned me the most because he tells him EVERYTHING.
We are terrified something serious has happened. He is a vulnerable teenager, and we cannot wait any longer. As each minute passes, the inescapable feeling of grief and worry increases. With each passing moment, potential witnesses forget, evidence fades, and leads grow cold. We are running low on options — but not on hope. But we can’t do this alone.
Why We Need Your Help
The Placerville Police Department isn’t taking his case seriously in any way. We want to hire a licensed private investigator who knows how to track leads, search records, and dig deeper than what we’re able to do on our own. Their expertise could uncover things that regular searches might miss. But a good private investigator is expensive — and we can’t afford this on our own.
How the Funds Will Be Used
Every dollar raised will go only toward efforts to locate my brother — no extras, no waste.
Funds will be used for:
Private investigator retainer and hourly work
Field investigations and leads
Travel or communication costs related to the search
Any records, fees, or resources needed to help find Bear
I will post regular updates (with as much detail as I legally and safely can) to show where the funds are going and what progress is being made.
How You Can Help
Please consider donating whatever you can — even $5, $10, or $25 makes a difference.
More than money, please share this campaign everywhere you can:
On social media
In your community groups
With local news outlets, churches, schools, and organizations
The more people who see this, the better the chance someone knows something or has seen something that can help bring Bear home.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking a moment to read this and for any help you can offer. My family and I are praying every single day for Bear to come home safely.
With hope,
Bear’s Family
Organizer
