On February 10, 2005, Bryan Hayes disappeared from Paxon Middle School in Jacksonville, Florida, along with his best friend, Mark Degner. One of the boys caused a disturbance, allowing the other to leave class, and together they walked out of the school. They have not been seen since. Initially, authorities believed Bryan and Mark had run away and remained in the local area. However, as time passed with no sightings or contact, and considering their medical conditions, their case was reclassified as endangered and possibly involving foul play. Bryan is classified as developmentally delayed. He suffers from bipolar disorder and requires daily medication to manage his condition.