Dane Elkins, a Palisades High grad who holds 23 worldwide junior racquetball titles, has been reported missing and his family is seeking community help in finding him.
A UC Santa Cruz engineering student, Elkins, 21, was last seen on December 20 at around 8:20 p.m. near the I-5 Freeway and Templin Highway. Officials later discovered his abandoned vehicle with his wallet and cellphone inside.
“He hasn’t been seen since and his family is concerned,” LAPD officials said in a news release.
“Elkins is described as white, with brown hair and green eyes. He stands around 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 170 pounds, according to the missing person’s report. He may have facial hair.”
A KTLA 5 December 24 report (“‘It’s Every Mom’s Worst Nightmare:’ Brentwood Family Searching for Missing 21-year-old”) stated: “The mother said she felt that Elkins was suffering from paranoia and suicidal thoughts the last time she spoke with him, adding that she believes the pandemic may have taken a toll on his mental health.”
Elkins grew up in Brentwood and graduated from Paul Revere Middle School and Palisades High.
Paul Revere administrators released a statement and a flyer to families and one parent responded, “So you all know, Deborah Elkins [Dane’s mother] started breakfast at school before there was breakfast at school by bringing bagels for kids who came hungry, leading with empathy for people she didn’t know, but could genuinely care about. I’d love to see us give back.”
Dane Elkins holds 23 major junior racquetball championships (12 world outdoor racquetball championships, eight USA National Junior Indoor Championships (including six titles at Jr. Olympics), and three USA National High School championships). He was also the 2017 National Paddleball Association-(NPA) Junior’s 18-and-under National Champion.
Elkins was featured in the L.A. Times for his accomplishments and also in the May 28, 2017 issue of Sports Illustrated. In addition, Elkins holds a black belt in taekwondo.
Family members are asking the public to not approach him as he is disoriented and may leave the area. If you believe you have seen him, please call 911, take photos and if possible, follow him discreetly. LA missing persons case number: 20008-17726.
If you have seen or have any information regarding his whereabouts please contact the Los Angeles Police Department, Missing Persons Unit, at 213-996-1800. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.
A page on Facebook has been created to track sightings and share information: https://www.facebook.com/groups/findingdaneelkins/.