What Happened to Charles Horvath?

Please remember to visit our show sponsor: https://www.nobodytoldmeshow.com/

When mother-daughter duo Jan Black and Laura Owens first conceptualized their two-generational talk show, nobody told them they’d snag the title of #1 self-help podcast for months on end! But that’s exactly what they’ve done, delving into topics as far-flung as network building, the importance of failure, finding hope after being kidnapped, and how the principles of brain surgery can help us work through everyday problems. Featuring interviews with extraordinary individuals, Nobody Told Me! shines light on the shared human experiences that bring us together, and the challenges that serve as catalysts for our greatest growth. 

Nobody Told Me! combines Jan’s impressive broadcast journalism background with Laura’s unique, millennial perspective. Driven by a genuine desire to educate and empower, their pioneering platform gives insight into the strategies and secrets of people in all walks of life. Equal parts information and inspiration, Nobody Told Me! brings a personal touch to the interview process. Together, Jan and Laura are asking the questions that help their listeners get through life’s toughest times.

Welcome to Unsolved Mysteries of the World Season Six Episode Six - What Happened to Charles Horvath?

Charles KJ Horvath was an adventurous young man who was visiting Canada, making his way from Ontario, where he met with his father and godfather and then travelling solo by hitchhiking highway One all the way across the prairies, into Alberta and finally into British Columbia.

He was in Swift Current, Sask. in March 1989 and cashed a check at the Royal Bank.

In April he had moved on to Banff, Alberta working at The Rimrock Hotel.

He arrived on May 3rd 1989 in Kelowna and set up camp in a campground across from a prospective employer – the small tourist theme park then known as Bedrock City – a 70s era tourist trap.

Charles registered for work at several student employment agencies to help him along on his backpacking and hitchhiking adventure.

On May 26th of 1989, Charles cashed a small check at a Royal Bank. He was to make arrangements with his mother to meet up in Hong Kong via Vancouver to celebrate his 21st and her 40th birthday. But he would never make it to Hong Kong and the grainy security footage at the bank was all that remained of Charles Horvath. He simply vanished into thin air.

Denise Horvath-Allan, Charles' mother, telephoned the Kelowna Detachment of the RCMP asking for their help in locating her son as she was anxious as she had not received an expected call from him in May 1989. The RCMP were reluctant to file a missing persons case as Charles was an adult and at the time did not suspect foul play.

Denise phoned the RCMP several more time, getting anxious with each proceeding call.

It wasn't until August 10th 1989 that an official missing persons report was taken, over two months later.

A year later, in July of 1990 the RCMP launched a search of the area inside the campsite where Charles had been staying. It appears that after Charles had gone missing several other residents took advantage of his property and stole valuables and used his equipment and gear.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police launched a search of the area inside the campsite in July 1990, after Denise advised them that she learned Charles had been camping at the campground. The RCMP retrieved some of Charles' clothing and a shaving bag from a 1989 Tiny Town resident.

During her many, many visits to Canada in search of her son, Denise met up with the campground caretaker and was given items belonging to Charles – a a rosary, a tiny red paper Bible and a leather strap from Charles' boot which had been kept in the shed for more than a year.

The manager said that Charles' tent, other belongings, personal photographs and his ID had been thrown away in the Spring of 1990.

Constable Kris Clark then said "There's obviously concern after so many years of not being in contact with somebody, whether it's a recovery at this point or not."

But upon retrieving the clothing and shaving bag they are said to have told Denise they believe Charles is deceased and most likely from foul play. No further details were provided. However, in an official RCMP statement they indicated that the statement was unfortunate and that the sediments were most likely simply a personal opinion and not one that the RCMP held at the time.

On a trip to Canada in March 1992, Denise received two anonymous letters delivered by taxi whilst staying at The Pandosy Inn Motel, detailing how her son had been partying at Tiny Tent Town with locals and had gotten into a fight where he was subsequently k