> At a Glance
> – Jason Thomas, 45, vanished after leaving his Wakefield, MA home just before midnight on Dec. 12
> – He left phone and wallet behind; last spotted on camera near train tracks
> – $50,000+ raised as family pores over security footage for clues
> – Why it matters: A tight-knit community is rallying to find a grieving only child who “literally vanished”
Three weeks after Jason Thomas stepped out for a late-night walk, the Novartis scientist’s disappearance has sparked a sweeping search across Massachusetts.
The Night He Disappeared
Wakefield Police say Thomas was last seen by his wife Kristen Bartoli around 11:50 p.m. on Dec. 12. Security footage captured him walking near North Avenue and Chestnut Street, close to train tracks; he has not been seen since.
Bartoli told News Of Los Angeles affiliate WFXT that her husband of 10 years simply walked out while they were caring for their five dogs.
> “We just want to know that he’s safe. We don’t know where he went. He literally vanished.”
> – Kristen Bartoli
Grief and Urgent Search
Thomas, an only child, had been struggling after both parents died in November, according to Bartoli. The couple had been together 24 years.
- Family asked residents in Wakefield and nearby towns to review camera footage from 11:30 p.m. Dec. 12 through Dec. 14
- Several tips surfaced, but none confirmed to be Thomas
- A GoFundMe launched to support search efforts has topped $50,000
| Description | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5’6″ |
| Weight | ~180 lbs |
| Last outfit | Puffer jacket (white/grey or black), black pants, black sneakers with white laces, black hat and gloves |
Anyone with information is urged to call Wakefield Police at 781-245-1212.
Key Takeaways
- Scientist Jason Thomas has been missing since Dec. 13 after a midnight walk
- Left essentials at home, deepening fears for his safety
- Community-funded search continues as family clings to hope
The family thanked supporters on GoFundMe, saying they remain “incredibly grateful” and “will not stop searching for Jason.”
