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Posted: September 10, 2012

Missing Hope Mills man declared dead after 10 years

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Hope Mills, N.C. — The family of a mentally handicapped Hope Mills man who disappeared more than 10 years ago asked a Cumberland County judge Monday to declare him legally dead.

Kent Jacobs, 42, left his mother's house on March 10, 2002, and never returned. His remains have not been found and no arrests have been made.

Earlier this year, volunteer search teams combed the area off Hulon Street and Brooklyn Circle, where Jacobs was last seen, to mark 10 years since he disappeared. It was one of countless searches in the area over the past decade.

His family says they have never given up on finding him.

"I don't care if it's 10 years or 50, you never give up hope," Martha Jacobs, Kent Jacobs' mother, said in March.

Web Editor: Bridget Whelan

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8 Comments

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I can only speculate but a legal declaration of death is a requirement for death benefits to be paid. It does not necessarily reflect what is in the heart of the person seeking the declaration it could be necessary from a legal perspective.

tiblet
September 11, 2012 12:50 p.m.

I would think that would be a hard decision for the family to declare him dead. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I hope someday this man returns safely to his family if he is still alive.

malonem1
September 11, 2012 12:31 p.m.

Even though the family is declaring that he is dead, they will probably alway hope he returns safe. It's human nature. I know I would always hope, no matter how improbable.