I really appreciate the sensitivity and empathy that you always use when talking about mental health and drug abuse. People often victim blame in those cases unfortunately.
I am so tired of hearing about cases where once the cops find out someone has a history of substance abuse they automatically assume they ran off to get high. There are so many cases where it seems if they acted faster maybe something could have been done or found out. Being an addict does NOT make you a bad person and that is someone’s mother or father or child or brother or sister. It’s so sad that our justice system treats drug addiction harsher than child molesters and murderers (I just watched a video where a guy was drunk and killed a man in a hit and run and didn’t even get jail time or probation, only community service) It reminds me of all those cases in the 70s and 80s where kids went missing and automatically they assumed they ran away and didn’t bother investigating at all or too late.
It works the same if they find out someone has a mental illness. They automatically assume they killed themselves instead of finding out what really happened to that person.
I think it should be investigated but I understand they will limit the investigation to a certain extent. It's just not feasible because drug use is done so secretive that investigation would be hopeless. Their resources aren't limitless after all. And some people simply don't want to be found.
Especially as a parent, I couldn’t imagine seeing your baby walk off into the darkness and never seeing them again. A troubled soul isn’t a wasted or worthless one. I hope that someone is brave enough to come forward.
Hez no Worthless Hez A Beautiful young gentleman let's All Pray for hiz dear poor broken 💔hearted beloved Mother All dear family for dear beautiful Max tO B ReUnited in All Good Safety All Good Loving Care
Thank You For Highlighting Max's Case, Rachel. What makes his disappearance so Tragic is he could've been any of us going through grief and just Going Forward i hope something happens in this Case.
That security footage gives me the creeps. Honestly, at first glance, I'd be pretty sure the guy in the leather jacket at the casino had something to do with Max's disappearance. Could Max have been trying to find a ride home? Could he have been 'cruising' for a date or someone to do drugs with? There are so many scenarios. But all I know is watching them disappear into the darkness behind that building made me shiver. Hard.
I think a lot of us can identity with Max. With so many places you could go and so many things you could do and rampant social media it’s easy to feel inadequate, anxious and depressed. They call my home town the “black hole” because any time people try to venture off to other places and do other things they usually end up coming back. I have never been able to move away and it makes me feel like a loser even in my late 20’s with a career, my own place, and my animals! Life isn’t easy and one mistake could put you in enough danger where someone takes your life and takes away your chance to turn it around.
Totally agree. Especially people from small towns can feel totally trapped and i like how you brought up social media bc that’s a huge factor. You’re always seeing people out there doing different things and traveling. It’s so easy to see that and feel that you’re not doing enough or be confused if you even like the path you’ve chosen. It’s a really unfortunate consequence of constant media consumption :/
Amen to the opening of this video. This is why I am a loyal subscriber to your content. People like you, Danelle Hallan, John Lordan, Stephanie Harlow and Shauna Rae are always very respectful and compassionate plus you do your research. You have found your calling girl.
This is heartbreaking. He seemed like a guy who just had a beautiful soul. I really hope whoever is responsible for his disappearance are punished for it.
Imashmoore he really really was, I only remember him because of how sweet he was every time he came in to the bar I worked at. My best friend Adam knew him pretty well and took it hard when he disappeared. I just really hope his family gets the answers they need
I saw max the night he went missing I was bartending at the 101 that night, he was there before he went to the casino. I really hope they find him. Thank you for doing this I have sent to every true crime podcast I can find in hopes that they would put his story out there.
10:30 The man's name is Jason Ledford. He's been a suspect the entire time, and he is one hell of a fishy character to say the least. Even if he had nothing to do with Max's disappearance, he knows what happened to him...
Wow that footage is actually so clear for CCTV. that dude's face is so visible, and his walk/stature is really unique. I feel like he could be identified for sure.
I think an accidental OD is more plausible then a hate crime. The fact he had been clean for so long and was scoring that night is what makes me lean more in this direction. So so so many people overdose when they first go back out. It's very sad, and I hope his family gets answers.
That’s such a good point I didn’t even think about that until now. So true. People who were clean often think they can use the same amount they used to, but usually their body can’t handle that much anymore...so that could be totally possible
He had been abusing drugs including Klonopin and liked to mix that with alcohol to enhance its effects.. I had hung out with him just two weeks prior to that and had trouble understanding him. Sadly It’s possible he could have overdosed regardless but the suggestion that he “relapsed” that evening is not plausible. If he over dosed it would have been just a “typical” (so to speak) OD.
Hey, I am actually from the town of brookings oregon as well, and I appreciate as much information that you put out there. I learned stuff that I didnt know about the case, and it is wild that someone could go missing in such a small place without being found, because it is such a small place, but smith river is a lot of reservations and farm land, and I have heard theories around town about how he made some Native American people (which is common here) angry (which kind of makes me think that it could be possible hearing all the information, and that they barried him in one of the vacant farm lands and stuff, I didnt know he was into drugs because I literally only leave the house to go to the store and stuff like that dont really go out and hang out and I stay away from that crowd of people. Literally our town has only like 6000 people, his missing posters are all over our stores and stuff and they are also offering a reward for who brings forward where he is. I'm pretty sure
One of my best friends just overdosed a few months ago. He got some heroin that was laced with fentanyl. I really feel like he accidentally overdosed 😓
So sorry. I've lost countless friends/loved ones due to addiction. I was lucky enough to make it out alive & have been clean for 3 1/2 years, thankfully. I hope your friend is at peace now. ❤️
Max was one of my best friends during college. We even lived together for a time. I miss him so much, seeing his photos and hearing about him makes me so sad. He didn't deserve this ending. I hope they find who did this.
I haven't heard the term "pop" since I moved south and it reminded me of home! Your authenticity and empathy for the victims is what really sets you apart in this genre and makes your channel so great. We appreciate you.
@@RachelShannon I am from Kansas City and we have always always said pop. It wasn't until I moved to OKC that I realized others said it differently. I still say it here in OKC and people will laugh or say "what?" to me. :)
Thanks for doing a video on max! I always watch these types of videos... it’s a little different when it’s on a friend, but thank you for spreading the word and so well ❤️
I have fourteen months sober and i watch alot of true crime stuff.. it scares me that if god forbid something happened and i went missing that the police wouldnt take it seriously. So much that i told my grandmother that if i went missing it wasnt by choice and even if i had relapsed i wouldnt disapeer. Such a shame they dont take recovering addicts seriously 💔 so heartbreaking
I feel, law enforcement didn't take it seriously soon enough, also since Max and Jason were on Tribal land ,it can tie the hands of the local police as they got to have permission and in some case go through certain protocols for their investigation, I am not completely clear for California tribal land laws, I am though Oregon tribal laws, either way this needs solved, Max's family needs closure and the one(s) responsible should be made a accountable,
Hi Rachel, your video is very sincere and fool of empathy . Max seems to be a nice person fighting his tourments (as most of humans) and something bad happened to him 😢 I sincerely hope that his sister and mum will have answers . Thank you for your good job.👍 Salutations de Paris 👋
You told this beautifully Rachel, I am an ex addict and as u rightly say, no one knows our story, why we choose to escape reality, I got on drugs because I was abused as a child but I stayed on it because of things that happened while I was addicted, it wasn’t until I had my children I got clean (while pregnant) but I am so grateful I am still alive and able to have s fresh start, 3 of my friends were murdered two by boyfriends and one by a John (punter) so I know how murder and drugs affects lives, what u said at the beginning is really touching though I wish everyone thought like u xx
I started Meth at 11 yrs old and used for 30 yrs and some of what happens is right out of Hollywood !!!! If he was playing with high rollers than yea , they sometimes take out a known " one more , I promise I'll get you the money " people just to put a scare in others !! Father please find closer for this family and comfort all !!! ( btw , I've got 14 yrs clean now ) .
It was definitely an accidental OD or he owed money to someone & they gave him a hot shot. Either way it was unnecessary & sad. He seems like a beautiful soul & it makes this world a little bit darker without him in it. 😢
Angel Mary you have no fucking idea what happened but you seem so positive with your verbiage... don’t comment on these type of videos if you have nothing good to say
@@thuggwaffle8825 how is my comment disrespectful or in anyway hurtful? It's quite the contrary actually. I couldn't have been nicer & more sincere. I don't know saying his death was "unnecessary & sad" & "he seems like a beautiful soul & it makes this world a little bit darker without him in it" can be seen as "not good" but I apologize if you somehow misunderstood my comment but please do explain ?????
I share that opinion too based upon my experience with the Smith River/Brookings community, the fact that Max was using illegal drugs and on legal ones, and the fact that he was depressed and felt like an outsider. To say that drug abuse is a problem in this area is an understatement, although the drugs of choice tend to be booze, weed, and meth. It cuts across all class, sex, religion, age, ethnicity, and political divisions. Here, the video clearly shows Max in a transaction with an older man. This is likely either sex, drugs, or both being negotiated. Also, Max does not fit the profile for a gambler. The folks who gamble at that casino tend to be people with some disposable income. This is just a casino, and nothing else there that would hold a 20-something's interest. There is no reason for Max to be there late at night other than to provide some other "service" to persons at the casino.
I think perhaps the word ‘definitely’ was the issue here, and perhaps ‘likely’, or ‘I believe’ may have been better communicators. ‘Definitely’ implies you know for a fact (which you would have to back up with evidence), and I must confess I reacted similarly. Sentiment can be misconstrued through text depending on how it is written and how it is read. ❤️
i just wanted to say that you’re one of my most favorite true crime youtubers. i love how you deliver these cases with such respect and detail. i wish i could be a patreon but i’m in college and just don’t have the means. thank you for your wonderful content, keep it up girl :)
I think he might have changed his clothes so he wouldn’t be “obviously gay”, maybe he was afraid of some ppl being homophobic or they’ve given him trouble before.
I went through a drug rehab (2015) with max for like 60 days straight. He was such a sweet heart and loving person 😔 so bummed to whatever happened to him. Me him and a couple others were close friends during those months.
Please, never give up on missing people. I'm from Canada, a Toronto man reported missing for 10 years, was found living homeless in Victoria BC just two years ago. Another is a Vancouver BC man went missing for 5 years, later found in Brazil. He had no passport, no documents, it's believed he walked from Vancouver, to the States onto South America, how he did this, is so shocking. There's always hope.
I’m glad you did a video on him, he was a friend of mine and I’ve been wanting someone to really push this so we can find out what happen! Thank you so much!
when you use terms like substance use (in replace of addiction or other phrases) and self medicating it honestly makes me really happy. it shows me you genuinely research and care about these topics enough to know about what the proper phrases are and all that
I love the respect you show while discussing these cases! It means a lot that you cover less known cases like these. The overdose theory is the one which seems most likely to me... if that is the case it is so sad that these people didn't call for help.. I hope he is found.
The reason I advocate so vocally, so loudly, so doggedly for keeping kratom legal is to PREVENT more unnecessary overdose deaths. It's insane how judgemental people can be about addiction. Kratom is a safe, natural leaf that got me, personally, of all dangerous RX drugs, including Klonopin and hydrocodone, for over three years. When Prince died, and I discovered his own doctor spoke AGAINST kratom, it broke my heart all over again. People matter, no matter what they may be addicted to. #KratomSavesLives and has helped thousands of people find their way OUT of addiction and substance use to healthier, happier lives! And government asshats with the FDA see how it interferes with Big Pharma profits and want to make it illegal. Praying for ALL affected by substance abuse and addiction.
I live in brookings OR and remember when this first happened. The casino is only about 10-15 mins from brookings. Thank you so much for bringing light to this case! It’s exactly what it needs for people to come forward, also the casino is on Native American Territory and there has been speculation that they might know what happened that night.
i had met him a few times before he went missing and he was so genuinely nice it hurts to know that he is still missing. i hope they will find out what happened to him. he is a really cool dude genuinely.
my mom is lesbian and i think my mom honestly did end up doing drugs with him but when i was still living with my mom he came by the house and sat on the couch and he started talking with me and was so nice to me. i miss him honestly only met him a handful of times but he was really a genuinely nice man
We don't have rights to judge someone who disapeared or being killed who have rough life or whatever they chose to do. It's make me mad that people chose to judge someone they don't know. They are people like me, like you, like US. It could be you or someone you know. Be kind. don't judge. It could be you. Ps: Be like Rachel. I love you ♡
I’m from this area and it’s sad how the cops don’t look into things as well as they should and the addictions in these towns are ridiculous i imagine it’s very hard for an addict to not slip back into using when half the town is stuck in the loop of abuse I hope they find him I’ve been mildly following the story since this happened.
I am not disagreeing with any one idea. I do wonder about the theory that he was killed because he owed someone money. If you owe someone money for drugs or whatever, you are no good to pay what you owe if you are dead. It happens and I know it does but logically it isn't very productive in the end. Accidental overdose, an absolute possibility! No matter what happen to this man, I wish his family well and that they find the answers that they need and deserve.
Thank you for inserting pictures ect I watch a lot of murder/ missing persons vlogs and a lot of them ramble on about details that don’t matter or don’t insert hardly any photos and I’m thinking it would be nice if I could see a photo of the person whom they are talking about.
Jason knows what happened. Also, there is a security camera just behind the building where the two men disappeared out of frame. The house across the street also appears to have cameras pointed toward the street. I hope the police looked into that footage as well. The problem with law enforcement is that their hands are tied when it comes to forcing people to talk. Someone with some balls should be hired by law enforcement to get answers from suspects in ways that law enforcement isn’t allowed to do. The right person could get the answers.
A smart person told me once, if ever you are criticized consider the source. People who shame others or attack others for no reason are miserable and anonymous. Hurt people hurt people.
Oh my heart hurts for this boy and his family. Rather it was an overdose or foul play, or even the chance he’s out there somewhere… it doesn’t matter. He is a human being.
Max was a friend of mine in Kindergarten-2nd grade or so. He was a super sweet person, even back then. Quiet kid. I wish we could have kept in contact. I really hope the case ends up solved. Hoping he's okay, even if there's a lot of scary rumors rn.
I went to school with Max, only knew "of" him and did not know him personally. I've heard good things and that he was troubled but a good kid. I used to hang out at Lucky 7 pretty often back when I lived in Brookings and especially around the time he went missing. It's eerie. People think it could never happen in their town but shady characters exist everywhere... Brookings is very small, everyone knows everyone, and everyone has some opinion or personal theory of what went down. I just hope the family gets justice and peace, that's what matters. Such a young life being taken so soon is always a tragedy, I don't care how it happened. Could have been an accident covered up, could have been malicious intent, who knows. DNSO reported recently they had some new evidence. I hope it breaks the case open.
My feeling on his disappearance is that he might've O'D'd or he owed people money?? If the older man Jason is scared for his life that tells something. I think Max was set up!
I cannot stand when the officers and units to do not start looking for someone right away once they find out someone has a drug problem. You hear about this all the time and it is so unacceptable and so many lives could be saved if they just looked at these people like the human beings that they are. They are still someone's son, daughter, husband, wife, brother, sister, family member. These missing people need authorities just as much as every other missing person. People can say what they want about people who use drugs and have a drug problem but that does not make you a bad person, they are good people who make bad choices. Addiction is somethings devastating to battle, coming from experience, it is a battle every day and one of the hardest things to overcome and I pray for thius man and huis family that they find peace and closure in their lives.
Del Norte County Sheriff's office just said they have “new relevant information” and will be conducting interviews soon & hopes a conclusion will be brought out of this.
I’m a recovering heroin addict ... I think he overdosed and another party helped hide his body somewhere...probably water of some sort of he’s never been found. Jason is scared to tell anyone because it puts him in danger of it gets back to the dangerous dealers who the drugs originated from. In the drug world people aren’t letting users wrack up debt worth killing over. If he was dealing drugs maybe but that really never happens that you are given the chance to wrack up more then $40 in debt.
Knew max, met him a couple times at the casino when I was still using heroin/meth. We used a couple times in my car outside of the casino and went back in to gamble. Gave him a ride to the beginning of Brookings about two weeks before he went missing. Wish nothing but the best. Clean since Sept 2018
I watched it happen to a 23 yr old girl over a $40 debt!!! Not knowing until she was passed and word out on street...said drug dealer PROUDLY owning it because to authority its unprovable so his word against the other. Justice for Max!!! People lost in drug addiction are still brothers sisters sons wifes PEOPLE and we are still worthy of love and life!!!
I know people who overdosed & were left, & I also know of people that have killed someone else over drug money as little as $200. So, anything is an option but I'd say it's one of those two things.
Jason Ledford set Max up to be killed by people waiting on the 'Res' as he calls it! Not the first time, probably not the last! And it was probably Jason who owed the money to the bad guys, and he just sacrificed Max in his stead. Jason probably told them that Max was the one that ripped them off so that Jason wouldn't have to pay the piper for his own double dealings!
First thing I wanna say is R.I.P to Max. Second is that there is a possible murder case in my town former if it turns into a big story I’ll try to gather information and let you know more about it.
I don't get what the motive would be for hurting Max ? If he had overdosed then surely someone could give the cops an anonymous tip so that the poor family can mourn properly. He didn t have lots of cash on him so a robbery does not seem feasible. Drug users and even dealers don't go around murdering people at the drop of a hat! It does not make good business sense to kill your customers after all and most street dealers are also addicts and so they are taking the same drugs. With a bit of luck the poor boy ended up in a rehab clinic somewhere and will turn up.
Theres a crime scene possibly not too far from the casino. Jasons phone would have tracked the travel route. You can see max pointing to a direction right before he exits the video with Jason. Looks like hes pointing to Travis's house on South Indian Road? Theres a Tribal cemetery on that road. Close to the beach. Drug users in Portland will often sell their valuables in exchange for dope. Bringing Art Supplies may have been his purchase power. I see Max talking with hand gestures to Jason. Hes explaining something. When they start walking Jason appears to walk away then Max follows.. then takes the lead. Max didnt look messed up. He keeps a pretty straight distance between the two. A little weaving but pretty coherent. The Key video I feel that has yet to be discussed publicly is what was Max doing in the casino before he was kicked out. Most who get kicked out are panhandling other patrons or surfing for free credits. Was there a third party confrontation in the casino that Max was explaining to Jason when he got outside? We all know there are dangerous dealers in Smith River to Crescent City. and Ive heard rumors of other missing on the Res. Jason has the answers in my opinion. I will say one thing that makes me doubt some of the Jason fear to talk theories is if these alleged dangerous people knew he was a potential witness he would probably be missing too. Unless their related. It seems bold knowing hes on video. It doesn't quite add up. Where did Jason go when he left the casino? Towards home or back towards the crime scene to clean up. My heart goes out to the family. Excellent Narrative!
Struggling with sexuality, moderate/sever untreated mental health issues, using art as a medium for self-expression, lacking a sense of belonging, turning to substance abuse to cope--Max's story is scarily similar to my own. I was able to turn my life around over time, and it totally sucks that he never got that chance.
I strongly believe it was an accidental overdose. I used to be a heroin addict (3 years clean) and a lot of us would hang out at the casino and it was just so common for even me to use at or near the casino. Fentinol is a terrifying drug and I have personally lost more then one friend because of it. I pray the family finds answers. He seemed like such a beautiful soul that made some wrong choices... and I can relate to that.
Also I want to add even if it was an accidental overdose that doesn’t mean that there are not people responsible for not trying to get help and covering it up. Especially when a call to 911 could of saved his life if that was the case.
Wendy Rucker they could’ve called though at that point.. ya and still left before the cops arrived.. the whole situation shows a callous disregard for his life 😢
Marie Kelldridge I absolutely agree. I used to live in WA state and they made a law that if 911 was called because of an overdose there was not allowed for any arrests to be made. It was because of situation like what may have happened in this case happening all too much.
I really appreciate the sensitivity and empathy that you always use when talking about mental health and drug abuse. People often victim blame in those cases unfortunately.
I am so tired of hearing about cases where once the cops find out someone has a history of substance abuse they automatically assume they ran off to get high. There are so many cases where it seems if they acted faster maybe something could have been done or found out. Being an addict does NOT make you a bad person and that is someone’s mother or father or child or brother or sister.
It’s so sad that our justice system treats drug addiction harsher than child molesters and murderers (I just watched a video where a guy was drunk and killed a man in a hit and run and didn’t even get jail time or probation, only community service)
It reminds me of all those cases in the 70s and 80s where kids went missing and automatically they assumed they ran away and didn’t bother investigating at all or too late.
Loved what u said!!! Ur so Right!
It works the same if they find out someone has a mental illness. They automatically assume they killed themselves instead of finding out what really happened to that person.
Marquis de Lafayette Thanks , your spot on !!!! 14 yrs clean !!!
So right! We all make mistakes. Addicts are humans too
I think it should be investigated but I understand they will limit the investigation to a certain extent. It's just not feasible because drug use is done so secretive that investigation would be hopeless. Their resources aren't limitless after all. And some people simply don't want to be found.
Max has/had a solid James Dean vibe.
I prefer "Has." He is still the same person.
I mean, I guess it depends what people believe but I believe in energy, & I think his soul is who he is. So I would say has 😊
He would have appreciated that sentiment I think
Especially as a parent, I couldn’t imagine seeing your baby walk off into the darkness and never seeing them again. A troubled soul isn’t a wasted or worthless one. I hope that someone is brave enough to come forward.
❤️
Hez no Worthless Hez A Beautiful young gentleman let's All Pray for hiz dear poor broken 💔hearted beloved Mother All dear family for dear beautiful Max tO B ReUnited in All Good Safety All Good Loving Care
Thank You For Highlighting Max's Case, Rachel. What makes his disappearance so Tragic is he could've been any of us going through grief and just Going Forward i hope something happens in this Case.
That security footage gives me the creeps. Honestly, at first glance, I'd be pretty sure the guy in the leather jacket at the casino had something to do with Max's disappearance. Could Max have been trying to find a ride home? Could he have been 'cruising' for a date or someone to do drugs with? There are so many scenarios. But all I know is watching them disappear into the darkness behind that building made me shiver. Hard.
I think a lot of us can identity with Max. With so many places you could go and so many things you could do and rampant social media it’s easy to feel inadequate, anxious and depressed. They call my home town the “black hole” because any time people try to venture off to other places and do other things they usually end up coming back. I have never been able to move away and it makes me feel like a loser even in my late 20’s with a career, my own place, and my animals! Life isn’t easy and one mistake could put you in enough danger where someone takes your life and takes away your chance to turn it around.
Totally agree. Especially people from small towns can feel totally trapped and i like how you brought up social media bc that’s a huge factor. You’re always seeing people out there doing different things and traveling. It’s so easy to see that and feel that you’re not doing enough or be confused if you even like the path you’ve chosen. It’s a really unfortunate consequence of constant media consumption :/
*100*
Amen to the opening of this video. This is why I am a loyal subscriber to your content. People like you, Danelle Hallan, John Lordan, Stephanie Harlow and Shauna Rae are always very respectful and compassionate plus you do your research. You have found your calling girl.
Add Eleanor Neale too
Aww I miss Shauna :(
This is heartbreaking. He seemed like a guy who just had a beautiful soul. I really hope whoever is responsible for his disappearance are punished for it.
Imashmoore he really really was, I only remember him because of how sweet he was every time he came in to the bar I worked at. My best friend Adam knew him pretty well and took it hard when he disappeared. I just really hope his family gets the answers they need
Max was a great friend. I miss him like crazy :'(
He is so loved
I saw max the night he went missing I was bartending at the 101 that night, he was there before he went to the casino. I really hope they find him. Thank you for doing this I have sent to every true crime podcast I can find in hopes that they would put his story out there.
10:30 The man's name is Jason Ledford. He's been a suspect the entire time, and he is one hell of a fishy character to say the least. Even if he had nothing to do with Max's disappearance, he knows what happened to him...
Wow that footage is actually so clear for CCTV. that dude's face is so visible, and his walk/stature is really unique. I feel like he could be identified for sure.
He's been identified, and interviewed many times. His story has changed multiple times and now he can't be located.
Most of this video was about that guy...
He is a horrible guy, that’s Jason.
I think an accidental OD is more plausible then a hate crime. The fact he had been clean for so long and was scoring that night is what makes me lean more in this direction. So so so many people overdose when they first go back out. It's very sad, and I hope his family gets answers.
That’s such a good point I didn’t even think about that until now. So true. People who were clean often think they can use the same amount they used to, but usually their body can’t handle that much anymore...so that could be totally possible
He had been abusing drugs including Klonopin and liked to mix that with alcohol to enhance its effects.. I had hung out with him just two weeks prior to that and had trouble understanding him. Sadly It’s possible he could have overdosed regardless but the suggestion that he “relapsed” that evening is not plausible. If he over dosed it would have been just a “typical” (so to speak) OD.
@@Phor0phor Sorry for your loss. How is a relapse not plausible though?
@@kass_G59 I think she is saying he didn't relapse that night.. he had already relapsed.
I thought of that too!!
FINALLY someone covered this case.
Wish John Walsh would cover this
Hey, I am actually from the town of brookings oregon as well, and I appreciate as much information that you put out there. I learned stuff that I didnt know about the case, and it is wild that someone could go missing in such a small place without being found, because it is such a small place, but smith river is a lot of reservations and farm land, and I have heard theories around town about how he made some Native American people (which is common here) angry (which kind of makes me think that it could be possible hearing all the information, and that they barried him in one of the vacant farm lands and stuff, I didnt know he was into drugs because I literally only leave the house to go to the store and stuff like that dont really go out and hang out and I stay away from that crowd of people. Literally our town has only like 6000 people, his missing posters are all over our stores and stuff and they are also offering a reward for who brings forward where he is. I'm pretty sure
One of my best friends just overdosed a few months ago. He got some heroin that was laced with fentanyl. I really feel like he accidentally overdosed 😓
I am so sorry that happened to your friend 😞
So sorry. I've lost countless friends/loved ones due to addiction. I was lucky enough to make it out alive & have been clean for 3 1/2 years, thankfully. I hope your friend is at peace now. ❤️
Max was one of my best friends during college. We even lived together for a time. I miss him so much, seeing his photos and hearing about him makes me so sad. He didn't deserve this ending. I hope they find who did this.
❤️❤️❤️
I haven't heard the term "pop" since I moved south and it reminded me of home! Your authenticity and empathy for the victims is what really sets you apart in this genre and makes your channel so great. We appreciate you.
Where’s home for you?! I’m from the Midwest originally! And thank you so much 🥺
same! 🙂 i definitely lived in the midwest, moved down south 6 years ago.
I’m in Buffalo, and it’s the only way we say it here so I didn’t even realize! Haha!
We say “pop” here in Ohio as well!
@@RachelShannon I am from Kansas City and we have always always said pop. It wasn't until I moved to OKC that I realized others said it differently. I still say it here in OKC and people will laugh or say "what?" to me. :)
Perfect timing! Thank you dear.
Thanks for doing a video on max! I always watch these types of videos... it’s a little different when it’s on a friend, but thank you for spreading the word and so well ❤️
I have fourteen months sober and i watch alot of true crime stuff.. it scares me that if god forbid something happened and i went missing that the police wouldnt take it seriously. So much that i told my grandmother that if i went missing it wasnt by choice and even if i had relapsed i wouldnt disapeer. Such a shame they dont take recovering addicts seriously 💔 so heartbreaking
Sucks that you see the last moments ...you wanna scream stop!! Don't go :(
I live in brookings and really appreciate you bringing this to light. Law enforcement seemed to not really care
I feel, law enforcement didn't take it seriously soon enough, also since Max and Jason were on Tribal land ,it can tie the hands of the local police as they got to have permission and in some case go through certain protocols for their investigation, I am not completely clear for California tribal land laws, I am though Oregon tribal laws, either way this needs solved, Max's family needs closure and the one(s) responsible should be made a accountable,
Hi Rachel, your video is very sincere and fool of empathy . Max seems to be a nice person fighting his tourments (as most of humans) and something bad happened to him 😢 I sincerely hope that his sister and mum will have answers . Thank you for your good job.👍
Salutations de Paris 👋
You told this beautifully Rachel, I am an ex addict and as u rightly say, no one knows our story, why we choose to escape reality, I got on drugs because I was abused as a child but I stayed on it because of things that happened while I was addicted, it wasn’t until I had my children I got clean (while pregnant) but I am so grateful I am still alive and able to have s fresh start, 3 of my friends were murdered two by boyfriends and one by a John (punter) so I know how murder and drugs affects lives, what u said at the beginning is really touching though I wish everyone thought like u xx
I started Meth at 11 yrs old and used for 30 yrs and some of what happens is right out of Hollywood !!!! If he was playing with high rollers than yea , they sometimes take out a known " one more , I promise I'll get you the money " people just to put a scare in others !! Father please find closer for this family and comfort all !!! ( btw , I've got 14 yrs clean now ) .
It was definitely an accidental OD or he owed money to someone & they gave him a hot shot. Either way it was unnecessary & sad. He seems like a beautiful soul & it makes this world a little bit darker without him in it. 😢
Angel Mary you have no fucking idea what happened but you seem so positive with your verbiage... don’t comment on these type of videos if you have nothing good to say
@@thuggwaffle8825 how is my comment disrespectful or in anyway hurtful? It's quite the contrary actually. I couldn't have been nicer & more sincere. I don't know saying his death was "unnecessary & sad" & "he seems like a beautiful soul & it makes this world a little bit darker without him in it" can be seen as "not good" but I apologize if you somehow misunderstood my comment but please do explain ?????
I share that opinion too based upon my experience with the Smith River/Brookings community, the fact that Max was using illegal drugs and on legal ones, and the fact that he was depressed and felt like an outsider. To say that drug abuse is a problem in this area is an understatement, although the drugs of choice tend to be booze, weed, and meth. It cuts across all class, sex, religion, age, ethnicity, and political divisions. Here, the video clearly shows Max in a transaction with an older man. This is likely either sex, drugs, or both being negotiated. Also, Max does not fit the profile for a gambler. The folks who gamble at that casino tend to be people with some disposable income. This is just a casino, and nothing else there that would hold a 20-something's interest. There is no reason for Max to be there late at night other than to provide some other "service" to persons at the casino.
AaronGarton666 I grew up in brookings as well.. was great friends with max... I guess that’s why I get so defensive I apologize
I think perhaps the word ‘definitely’ was the issue here, and perhaps ‘likely’, or ‘I believe’ may have been better communicators. ‘Definitely’ implies you know for a fact (which you would have to back up with evidence), and I must confess I reacted similarly. Sentiment can be misconstrued through text depending on how it is written and how it is read. ❤️
i just wanted to say that you’re one of my most favorite true crime youtubers. i love how you deliver these cases with such respect and detail. i wish i could be a patreon but i’m in college and just don’t have the means. thank you for your wonderful content, keep it up girl :)
I think he might have changed his clothes so he wouldn’t be “obviously gay”, maybe he was afraid of some ppl being homophobic or they’ve given him trouble before.
Hmmm...good point I hadn’t thought of that
Rachel Shannon Zarah
His own mom said he was wearing baggy pants to big.He usualy wears tight pants. So definitely something to that.
Stumbled across this video. I listen to you often, but hadn't noticed this one. This is in my town.
I went through a drug rehab (2015) with max for like 60 days straight. He was such a sweet heart and loving person 😔 so bummed to whatever happened to him. Me him and a couple others were close friends during those months.
❤❤❤
Please, never give up on missing people. I'm from Canada, a Toronto man reported missing for 10 years, was found living homeless in Victoria BC just two years ago. Another is a Vancouver BC man went missing for 5 years, later found in Brazil. He had no passport, no documents, it's believed he walked from Vancouver, to the States onto South America, how he did this, is so shocking. There's always hope.
Please pray for closure; if you see Max or know anything please speak TRUTH- Pray for Max! You are loved and remembered. Brookings, OR
I’m glad you did a video on him, he was a friend of mine and I’ve been wanting someone to really push this so we can find out what happen! Thank you so much!
when you use terms like substance use (in replace of addiction or other phrases) and self medicating it honestly makes me really happy. it shows me you genuinely research and care about these topics enough to know about what the proper phrases are and all that
Wow 👏 thank you for shedding some light on this young man's life Rachel
Awesome! Another that I havent seen done! Great job once again girl!
So young and handsome! I hope they could have closure, so sad 😞
I love the respect you show while discussing these cases! It means a lot that you cover less known cases like these. The overdose theory is the one which seems most likely to me... if that is the case it is so sad that these people didn't call for help.. I hope he is found.
The reason I advocate so vocally, so loudly, so doggedly for keeping kratom legal is to PREVENT more unnecessary overdose deaths. It's insane how judgemental people can be about addiction. Kratom is a safe, natural leaf that got me, personally, of all dangerous RX drugs, including Klonopin and hydrocodone, for over three years. When Prince died, and I discovered his own doctor spoke AGAINST kratom, it broke my heart all over again. People matter, no matter what they may be addicted to. #KratomSavesLives and has helped thousands of people find their way OUT of addiction and substance use to healthier, happier lives! And government asshats with the FDA see how it interferes with Big Pharma profits and want to make it illegal. Praying for ALL affected by substance abuse and addiction.
I live in brookings OR and remember when this first happened. The casino is only about 10-15 mins from brookings. Thank you so much for bringing light to this case! It’s exactly what it needs for people to come forward, also the casino is on Native American Territory and there has been speculation that they might know what happened that night.
Max is a family friend of one of my friends. I hope his family gets answers! Thank you for this video!
I love your videos!! Keep up the good work!
i had met him a few times before he went missing and he was so genuinely nice it hurts to know that he is still missing. i hope they will find out what happened to him. he is a really cool dude genuinely.
my mom is lesbian and i think my mom honestly did end up doing drugs with him but when i was still living with my mom he came by the house and sat on the couch and he started talking with me and was so nice to me. i miss him honestly only met him a handful of times but he was really a genuinely nice man
We don't have rights to judge someone who disapeared or being killed who have rough life or whatever they chose to do. It's make me mad that people chose to judge someone they don't know. They are people like me, like you, like US. It could be you or someone you know. Be kind. don't judge. It could be you.
Ps: Be like Rachel. I love you ♡
A North American Indian proverb says never condemn a man until you have walked a mile in his moccasins.
Sad case, but you cover it well. Thanks for the content!
Thank you beautiful angel for covering this case🥺💞 Justice for Max will be served :)
Max went missing around the same time that film crews where in crescent city filming bird box.
First here😀😀😀love your video!!! Now, let's dive into the case....
I’m from this area and it’s sad how the cops don’t look into things as well as they should and the addictions in these towns are ridiculous i imagine it’s very hard for an addict to not slip back into using when half the town is stuck in the loop of abuse I hope they find him I’ve been mildly following the story since this happened.
Thank you even though it’s close to 1 am and I need to wake up at 6 😭 great work as usual 🙏
Haha you need to go to bed 😂
I am not disagreeing with any one idea. I do wonder about the theory that he was killed because he owed someone money. If you owe someone money for drugs or whatever, you are no good to pay what you owe if you are dead. It happens and I know it does but logically it isn't very productive in the end. Accidental overdose, an absolute possibility! No matter what happen to this man, I wish his family well and that they find the answers that they need and deserve.
Drug dealers don't always think logically or act reasonably but I know what you mean. I believe it was an accidental overdose
Thank you for inserting pictures ect I watch a lot of murder/ missing persons vlogs and a lot of them ramble on about details that don’t matter or don’t insert hardly any photos and I’m thinking it would be nice if I could see a photo of the person whom they are talking about.
Jason knows what happened. Also, there is a security camera just behind the building where the two men disappeared out of frame. The house across the street also appears to have cameras pointed toward the street. I hope the police looked into that footage as well. The problem with law enforcement is that their hands are tied when it comes to forcing people to talk. Someone with some balls should be hired by law enforcement to get answers from suspects in ways that law enforcement isn’t allowed to do. The right person could get the answers.
I love your intro I mean hurts my ❤️ for the negativity you get!!! Love your story telling n message/hope spreading! u are beautiful! 🥀🦋
A smart person told me once, if ever you are criticized consider the source. People who shame others or attack others for no reason are miserable and anonymous. Hurt people hurt people.
Oh my heart hurts for this boy and his family. Rather it was an overdose or foul play, or even the chance he’s out there somewhere… it doesn’t matter. He is a human being.
Heartbreaking. Max’s struggles are so relatable
knew and loved max... THANK YOU RACHEL.
Super excited to watch this, love you rach
feel like trafficking could be a possibility here
Max was a friend of mine in Kindergarten-2nd grade or so. He was a super sweet person, even back then. Quiet kid. I wish we could have kept in contact. I really hope the case ends up solved. Hoping he's okay, even if there's a lot of scary rumors rn.
I thought this was about Austin Butler when I saw the thumbnail! He reminds me a lot of him.
Great video and I love your content! You're amazing!!!! ❤
Sorry, I know its off topic but what eyeshadow are you wearing 🧐 it looks sooo good 😍
I went to school with Max, only knew "of" him and did not know him personally. I've heard good things and that he was troubled but a good kid. I used to hang out at Lucky 7 pretty often back when I lived in Brookings and especially around the time he went missing. It's eerie. People think it could never happen in their town but shady characters exist everywhere... Brookings is very small, everyone knows everyone, and everyone has some opinion or personal theory of what went down. I just hope the family gets justice and peace, that's what matters. Such a young life being taken so soon is always a tragedy, I don't care how it happened. Could have been an accident covered up, could have been malicious intent, who knows. DNSO reported recently they had some new evidence. I hope it breaks the case open.
Prayers 🙏 4 this heartbreaking case let's hope Max's family get the answers they deserve and find closure stay safe ❤️ Rachel
Great reporting 👍 son 💪 I'm proud of you 💪 I'm sure you are 💪💯 PROUD of you too 😘 son and 💯 my friend 😉🙏💯❤️ Facts 👊
I’m from crescent city CA only 15-20 minutes from brookings Oregon and it’s been 5 years now that he’s been missing
My feeling on his disappearance is that he might've O'D'd or he owed people money?? If the older man Jason is scared for his life that tells something. I think Max was set up!
I just recently stopped working at this Casino, such a heartbreaking thing..
I cannot stand when the officers and units to do not start looking for someone right away once they find out someone has a drug problem. You hear about this all the time and it is so unacceptable and so many lives could be saved if they just looked at these people like the human beings that they are. They are still someone's son, daughter, husband, wife, brother, sister, family member. These missing people need authorities just as much as every other missing person. People can say what they want about people who use drugs and have a drug problem but that does not make you a bad person, they are good people who make bad choices. Addiction is somethings devastating to battle, coming from experience, it is a battle every day and one of the hardest things to overcome and I pray for thius man and huis family that they find peace and closure in their lives.
Legit started bawling watching this... his pics...
Del Norte County Sheriff's office just said they have “new relevant information” and will be conducting interviews soon & hopes a conclusion will be brought out of this.
I’m a recovering heroin addict ... I think he overdosed and another party helped hide his body somewhere...probably water of some sort of he’s never been found. Jason is scared to tell anyone because it puts him in danger of it gets back to the dangerous dealers who the drugs originated from. In the drug world people aren’t letting users wrack up debt worth killing over. If he was dealing drugs maybe but that really never happens that you are given the chance to wrack up more then $40 in debt.
Knew max, met him a couple times at the casino when I was still using heroin/meth. We used a couple times in my car outside of the casino and went back in to gamble. Gave him a ride to the beginning of Brookings about two weeks before he went missing. Wish nothing but the best. Clean since Sept 2018
I watched it happen to a 23 yr old girl over a $40 debt!!! Not knowing until she was passed and word out on street...said drug dealer PROUDLY owning it because to authority its unprovable so his word against the other. Justice for Max!!! People lost in drug addiction are still brothers sisters sons wifes PEOPLE and we are still worthy of love and life!!!
I know people who overdosed & were left, & I also know of people that have killed someone else over drug money as little as $200. So, anything is an option but I'd say it's one of those two things.
I hope you find him. This happened to my cousin, 20 years ago. No word
Jason Ledford set Max up to be killed by people waiting on the 'Res' as he calls it! Not the first time, probably not the last! And it was probably Jason who owed the money to the bad guys, and he just sacrificed Max in his stead. Jason probably told them that Max was the one that ripped them off so that Jason wouldn't have to pay the piper for his own double dealings!
As a friend of max I think the same exact thing... why can’t we find him
Max was a dear friend. I miss you. I haven’t seen or read any updates :( love to you and tonya and the rest of your family
Prayers for his family i hope they get closure
What a sad story
Can you plz look into BRITTANY SHANK MISSING STURGIS MICHIGAN!!! MISSING YOUNG MOTHER DESERVES A VOICE BUT HAS YET TO RECEIVE JUSTICE
this story is so crazy!
I hope they find out the truth..
If Jason kept looking back, that tells you he had a plan and was up to no good. Your theory of Jason leading Max into something seems to fit.
I hung out with this kid.. This is so messed up..
You should cover the disappearance of Zachary Vidal of Pottsville Pennsylvania since there is little coverage of it
I live 1 hr from here and have never heard this case!! How sad :-(
Wow, your eyes look so beautiful and extra vibrant today!💖⚘💕🌺
Omg thank you!❤️
@@RachelShannon You're welcome!😊
First thing I wanna say is R.I.P to Max. Second is that there is a possible murder case in my town former if it turns into a big story I’ll try to gather information and let you know more about it.
I’m missing max a lot today. 😢
We miss him a lot here in BROOKINGS OR
Hes from where i live.. its so heart breaking...
I don't get what the motive would be for hurting Max ? If he had overdosed then surely someone could give the cops an anonymous tip so that the poor family can mourn properly. He didn t have lots of cash on him so a robbery does not seem feasible.
Drug users and even dealers don't go around murdering people at the drop of a hat! It does not make good business sense to kill your customers after all and most street dealers are also addicts and so they are taking the same drugs.
With a bit of luck the poor boy ended up in a rehab clinic somewhere and will turn up.
Theres a crime scene possibly not too far from the casino. Jasons phone would have tracked the travel route. You can see max pointing to a direction right before he exits the video with Jason. Looks like hes pointing to Travis's house on South Indian Road? Theres a Tribal cemetery on that road. Close to the beach. Drug users in Portland will often sell their valuables in exchange for dope. Bringing Art Supplies may have been his purchase power. I see Max talking with hand gestures to Jason. Hes explaining something. When they start walking Jason appears to walk away then Max follows.. then takes the lead. Max didnt look messed up. He keeps a pretty straight distance between the two. A little weaving but pretty coherent.
The Key video I feel that has yet to be discussed publicly is what was Max doing in the casino before he was kicked out. Most who get kicked out are panhandling other patrons or surfing for free credits. Was there a third party confrontation in the casino that Max was explaining to Jason when he got outside?
We all know there are dangerous dealers in Smith River to Crescent City. and Ive heard rumors of other missing on the Res. Jason has the answers in my opinion. I will say one thing that makes me doubt some of the Jason fear to talk theories is if these alleged dangerous people knew he was a potential witness he would probably be missing too. Unless their related. It seems bold knowing hes on video. It doesn't quite add up. Where did Jason go when he left the casino? Towards home or back towards the crime scene to clean up. My heart goes out to the family. Excellent Narrative!
So sad we have no shelter for the homeless.
No refugee camp.
Criminals in jail are treated better
A lot is on native land too..
Struggling with sexuality, moderate/sever untreated mental health issues, using art as a medium for self-expression, lacking a sense of belonging, turning to substance abuse to cope--Max's story is scarily similar to my own. I was able to turn my life around over time, and it totally sucks that he never got that chance.
I strongly believe it was an accidental overdose. I used to be a heroin addict (3 years clean) and a lot of us would hang out at the casino and it was just so common for even me to use at or near the casino. Fentinol is a terrifying drug and I have personally lost more then one friend because of it. I pray the family finds answers. He seemed like such a beautiful soul that made some wrong choices... and I can relate to that.
Also I want to add even if it was an accidental overdose that doesn’t mean that there are not people responsible for not trying to get help and covering it up. Especially when a call to 911 could of saved his life if that was the case.
Wendy Rucker they could’ve called though at that point.. ya and still left before the cops arrived.. the whole situation shows a callous disregard for his life 😢
Marie Kelldridge I absolutely agree. I used to live in WA state and they made a law that if 911 was called because of an overdose there was not allowed for any arrests to be made. It was because of situation like what may have happened in this case happening all too much.
Wendy Rucker wish we had the same here! No family deserves not knowing and wondering every day where their loved one is..
@@wendyrucker2995 congrats girl on being clean. Keep it up, that is a blessing
Hopefully one day max will be found 💙💙💙💙💙💙