Epping Forest Man
On Saturday 25th September 1982, the body of a white male was found in a stream in the Jack’s Hill area of Epping Forest, near Theydon Bois. His death remains unexplained, and his identity is still unknown more than 40 years later.
Description:
Found on: 25th September 1982
Location: Jack's Hill area, Epping Forest, near Theydon Bois, Essex
Estimated age: 40–45 years
Sex: Male
Ethnicity: White
Height: 5ft 8in (173cm)
Build: Well-nourished
Eye colour: Green
Hair: Short
Facial hair: Moustache
Clothing and Possessions:
When found, the man was wearing:
A light brown cord safari-style jacket with a zip front
A maroon V-neck jumper
A white shirt
A white vest
Boxer shorts
Brown lace-up leather shoes
Socks
His trousers were missing at the time but were later recovered from the stream. They were light brown, safari-style cord trousers.
Among his possessions were:
A blue sleeping bag
Two groundsheets
A blue bag containing toiletries
A small fold-up umbrella
An ash walking stick
A pocket calculator in a case
A khaki-coloured Berghaus Alpine Series rucksack
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Jack’s Hill is a quiet, wooded area within the historic expanse of Epping Forest, located near the village of Theydon Bois in Essex. Known for its dense tree cover, streams, and secluded walking trails, Epping Forest spans over 2,400 hectares and has long been a popular location for walkers, nature lovers, and those seeking solitude. In the early 1980s, parts of the forest—especially the more remote sections like Jack’s Hill—were less frequented and could remain undisturbed for long periods. This peaceful, heavily wooded area may have provided temporary shelter or anonymity to those seeking to stay off the radar.
Questions You Can Ask Yourself:
Even the smallest memory, detail, or sense of familiarity can be the key to unlocking someone’s identity. You may not realise it, but you could hold a vital piece of the puzzle. Ask yourself the following questions—something might stand out.
Don’t forget to share them with friends, family, neighbours and colleagues who would have lived or worked in the Epping Forest Area in the late 1970s and early 1980s. They may remember something.
Do you remember someone who went missing around September 1982, who matched this description?
Did you know a man in his 40s who had a moustache, short hair, and green eyes, and who may have been living outdoors or travelling light?
Do the items found with him—such as a khaki Berghaus Alpine Series rucksack, blue sleeping bag, or pocket calculator in a case—seem familiar?
Did someone you know stop contacting friends or family unexpectedly in the early 1980s?
Did you ever come across a man in the Epping Forest area during that time who seemed to be sleeping rough or keeping to himself?
Did you or someone you know donate or discard these types of belongings around that time?
There is always hope, and you could be the person that makes the difference.
No matter how seemingly small the information you have, it really may be the answer we need. Information provided can be submitted anonymously, and submissions will be treated in confidence. Everything we receive will be reviewed by our dedicated team of volunteers. Please do not use this form for emergency assistance in locating a person. Please call 999.