Still Missing: What Happened to Austin Carlton?
A man disappears without a trace from his mother’s home in Obion, Tennessee. More than two and a half years later, Austin Carlton is still missing.
- Name: Austin Clay Carlton
- Last Seen: July 26, 2022
- Missing From: Obion, Tennessee
- Current Age: 31 (29 at time of disappearance)
- Height: 5’11”
- Weight: 170 lbs
- Hair: Brown
- Eyes: Blue
Austin Clay Carlton was 29-years-old when he went missing during the summer of 2022.
Austin’s mother, Susan Mealer, tells us that he grew up in the Obion area most of his life, and briefly spent time living in California and the Nashville area.
Susan says that he was staying with her after being released from a rehabilitation center in Ohio, and was preparing to attend a court date in Weakley County for violation of probation.
Around 1 p.m. on July 26, 2022, Susan tells us that she was cooking lunch for Austin when she made a trip to the bathroom. When she came out, Austin was nowhere to be found.
Susan has not seen or heard from Austin since.
Susan says witnesses later reported seeing Austin walking toward a wooded area that day, however few other clues or leads have came to light.
Susan tells us that it’s been difficult finding help with Austin’s case, and a formal search was never conducted. Being that he is an adult, a missing person report was not officially filed until days after his disappearance.
She says she’s never gone this long without speaking to Austin, and the constant wondering has weighed her down physically and emotionally.
“I can’t even explain it,” Susan told us. “I can’t sleep at night, not a full night, it’s all I think about. I mean, because I just want to know.”
We also asked Susan what she would say to someone who may know what happened to Austin.
“Please let him know that his family loves him, and to call, or just any kind of information,” she said. “This is going on three years. We need answers, and we deserve answers.”
On February 24, 2023, Austin was officially registered on the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.
According to his listing, Austin was last seen wearing jeans, a red pull over shirt, and black crocs.
Austin has tattoos on his arms, right hand, stomach, and chest.
If anyone sees Austin or knows of his whereabouts, contact the Obion County Sheriff’s Office at (731) 885-5832.
