Woman Who Helped Find Missing People Disappears, Family ‘Still Hopeful’

“In fifty years, this is the most complicated case I’ve ever been involved in,” an investigator says of the search for Andrea Knabel.

December 29, 2021
Andrea Knabel before she vanished August 19, 2019

Andrea Knabel before she vanished on August 19, 2019.

Photo by: Discovery, Inc.

Discovery, Inc.

Andrea Knabel before she vanished on August 19, 2019.

By: Aaron Rasmussen

For the latest on this case, don't miss the 4-part premiere of "Disappeared: Finding Andrea" on ID New Year's Day at 8pm ET/7pm C.

A Kentucky mother of two who worked with an organization that helps search for missing people suddenly vanished over two years ago, baffling friends, family and investigators.

Andrea Knabel of Louisville got into an argument with relatives and went to her sister Erin Knabel’s home on the evening of August 13, 2019. She then left and hasn’t been in touch since.

The missing woman’s father, Mike Knabel, told WDRB that “there is no sign of foul play or death” and loved ones are “still hopeful.”

“We just had the two-year, two-month anniversary, and our determination is still as strong as it was from day one,” he said.

In January, retired homicide detective Joe Fanciulli volunteered to dig into the case and try to figure out 39-year-old Knabel’s whereabouts or what may have happened to her.

“I have a lot of pieces of that puzzle that have been put together, but it's only going to take one or two other small pieces to fit that together,” Fanciulli shared with Louisville station WDRB. “I believe there is a person — or persons — out there who have information, who knows something they might not even realize.”

Some of the information Fanciulli’s investigation has turned up is unsettling. “It’s clear she was involved in several types of activities that could put her at risk,” the former detective said on Dr. Phil, noting, “In fifty years, this is the most complicated case I’ve ever been involved in.”

Fanciulli fears Knabel may have reached out to the wrong person for help, “somebody she could not even have realized she was potentially at risk with,” he explained.

Erin Knabel hopes to see her sister return home soon. “While there are so many complicated theories out there, I wish people could see that for me and many others missing their family, it is very simple, we just want our person back,” she wrote on the Where Is Andrea Knabel Facebook page.

“We are beaten up, yes, but we don't feel like we're beaten,” the siblings’ father told WHAS-TV. “We feel like we're strong enough to see this to the end. We hope we are.”

Andrea Knabel is 5’ 7”, weighs around 190 pounds, and has hazel-green eyes and brown hair with blonde highlights.

Anyone with information related to the case is asked to call Louisville Metro Police at 502-574-LMPD (5673) or 502-574-7120. Tips can also be left anonymously at 855-746-0846.

Next Up

Texas Family Still Looking For Missing Transgender Woman Who Vanished In 2017

Kimberly Avila disappeared from Brownsville, Texas, near the Mexico border, in May 2017.

A Bride-To-Be Vanished Weeks Before Her Wedding In 2001 And Hasn’t Been Seen Since

Niqui McCown’s family still hopes for answers in her disappearance even though the only person of interest in the case is dead.

California Woman Mysteriously Vanishes From Her Ranch

“I can't believe that people haven't spoken up and come out with the truth,” Dia Abrams’ son says of the case.

Have You Seen Missing Colorado Man Jance Wesly Varela?

A Montana mother is asking for the public’s help to find her son, who has been missing since June 2022.

Mother Of Four Vanishes After Finishing Her Shift At Florida Walmart

Marie Chantal Delly left her job on May 17, 2010, but failed to show up for her child’s doctor appointment the next day.

A Young Georgia Mother Disappeared Into The Night After A Phone Call

Everyone in Sonya Tukes’ life insists that she would have never walked away from her 7-year-old son.

In 2016, Kristal Reisinger Said She Was Raped, Then She Vanished In The Colorado Woods

Rumors surround the alleged sexual assault and disappearance of the 29-year-old mom, who went missing on July 13, 2016.

What Happened To Missing Teen Brookelyn Farthing After She Texted 'I'm Scared'?

In 2013, a Kentucky teenager texted “I'm scared” before leaving only her shoes, a bag, and a flaming couch behind.

A Texas Child Is Missing After Her Father Allegedly ‘Gave’ Her To Someone At A Convenience Store

Tiara McWilliams had tried in vain to get her daughter, Ameera Deadrick, back from her father for years after a summer trip turned into a permanent arrangement.

Have You Seen Missing Florida Mom Lauren Dumolo?

Investigators say since Lauren Dumolo vanished they've worked hundreds of leads. At this point, none have led to her whereabouts. Please call or text the "In Pursuit" hotline with your tips on this case: 833-378-7783.