Independent Detective Case File
Robin Lynn Vansickel
Also known as: Lynn
MissingAnchorage, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
Overview
Date Last Seen: Approximately June 1, 1988 (some records list July 1, 1988 as an approximate placeholder date)
Location Last Seen: Anchorage, Alaska
Main Circumstances
- Robin “Lynn” Vansickel was a 29-year-old dancer working in Anchorage.
- She disappeared during the summer of 1988 and has never been located.
- Shortly before her disappearance, she had reportedly become involved in a drug investigation involving individuals known as the “Cocaine Cowboys.”
- No arrests have been made, and the case remains an active missing persons investigation.
Detailed Case Breakdown
Robin Lynn Vansickel Disappearance (1988): The Unsolved Anchorage Cold Case
Very Brief Summary
Date Last Seen: Approximately June 1, 1988 (some records list July 1, 1988 as an approximate placeholder date)
Location Last Seen: Anchorage, Alaska
Main Circumstances
- Robin “Lynn” Vansickel was a 29-year-old dancer working in Anchorage.
- She disappeared during the summer of 1988 and has never been located.
- Shortly before her disappearance, she had reportedly become involved in a drug investigation involving individuals known as the “Cocaine Cowboys.”
- No arrests have been made, and the case remains an active missing persons investigation.
Robin Lynn Vansickel Disappearance
Robin Lynn “Lynn” Vansickel vanished from Anchorage, Alaska, during the summer of 1988 under circumstances that remain unexplained more than three decades later. Despite ongoing investigative efforts, no confirmed sightings, arrests, or recovery of her remains have ever been reported.
At the time she disappeared, Vansickel was 29 years old and working as an exotic dancer in Anchorage. Investigators believe she may have worked at the Great Alaska Bush Company, a well-known adult entertainment club located on East International Airport Road.
Disappearance
Authorities believe Vansickel disappeared sometime around June 1, 1988, although several official databases note that the exact date is unknown. Because investigators could not determine a precise day she vanished, some databases use July 1, 1988, as an estimated missing date rather than an actual confirmed disappearance date.
She has never contacted family or friends since disappearing, and there has been no verified activity associated with her identity.
Possible Connections
One of the most frequently discussed aspects of the investigation involves Vansickel’s reported connection to a federal drug investigation.
According to law enforcement information summarized by multiple missing-person organizations, she had reportedly become caught up in a drug investigation involving a New York-based trafficking organization commonly referred to as the “Cocaine Cowboys.” Investigators have never publicly stated whether that connection played any role in her disappearance, and no evidence has been released establishing a direct link.
Because so little evidence has been made public, the circumstances surrounding her disappearance remain largely unknown.
Physical Description
At the time she disappeared, Robin Vansickel was described as:
- Age: 29
- Height: 5 feet 4 inches
- Weight: Approximately 130 pounds
- Brown hair
- Blue eyes
- Pierced ears
- Tattoo of two cherries on her shoulder
- Tattoo of a spider on her ankle
She commonly went by her middle name, Lynn.
Investigation
The Anchorage Police Department continues to list Vansickel as an endangered missing person.
Over the years, her information has remained available through NamUs and national missing-person databases in hopes that new witnesses, forensic advances, or public tips may generate investigative leads.
Unlike many older missing person cases, there have been no publicly announced forensic breakthroughs, identified suspects, or confirmed discoveries of remains connected to Vansickel’s disappearance. As of currently available public information, the investigation remains open.
Latest Investigation Information
The case continues to be listed as active by the Anchorage Police Department and remains published in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as MP20724. Publicly available records do not indicate any recent arrests, persons of interest, or significant investigative developments. Authorities continue to encourage anyone with information about Vansickel’s disappearance to come forward.
Social Media, News and Case Links:
NamUs: Robin’s Page
Charley Project: Robin’s Page
Uncovered: Robin’s Page
Doe Network: Robin’s Page
Contact Information:
| Agency / Case | Contact |
|---|---|
| Anchorage Police Department Cold Case / Missing Persons | 907-786-8500 |
| Alaska Department of Public Safety Missing Persons | 907-269-5018 |
| NamUs | MP20724 |
Event Timeline Graph
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| November 24, 1959 | Robin Lynn Vansickel is born. |
| Early 1988 | Working as a dancer in Anchorage, Alaska. |
| Prior to disappearance | Reportedly becomes involved in a drug investigation connected to individuals known as the “Cocaine Cowboys.” |
| Approximately June 1, 1988 | Last known to have been seen in Anchorage, Alaska. |
| Summer 1988 | Family and investigators lose contact with Vansickel. |
| Following years | Case entered into national missing person databases and remains under investigation. |
| Present | Robin Vansickel remains missing; no arrests or confirmed resolution have been announced. |
Submit a Tip & Stay Updated
Share Information
Every tip matters. Information, memories, photographs, timelines, or small details may help bring attention back to a case.
Contact Law Enforcement First
If your information could assist an active investigation, please contact the investigating agency directly first. Law enforcement can immediately evaluate credible information and take action when needed.
Information submitted through this website may be reviewed, documented, or shared publicly, but Independent Detective cannot investigate or respond the way authorities can.
What You Can Share
You may share information, memories, photographs, links, observations, corrections, or details you believe may be connected to a case.
Even something that seems insignificant could help move an investigation forward.
Respectful Discussion
Thoughts and theories are welcome, but please remain respectful.
Avoid identifying, accusing, or targeting individuals without supporting evidence.
Stay Connected
Subscribe free to receive notifications when new cases are added to the archive, important case developments occur, or new website features become available.
We respect your inbox and only send occasional updates that we believe are important to the community. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Map Location
Anchorage, Alaska
On July 1, 1988
Location disclaimer: This map may identify only the general city or surrounding area. It should not be interpreted as the exact location where the homicide occurred, where a person went missing, or where any other case event took place unless an exact location has been independently confirmed and entered.
Case Correction Report
See something wrong? Let us know.
This form is for correcting information displayed on Independent Detective. If you have new evidence or information about the investigation itself, please use Submit Evidence instead.
Leave a Reply