The disappearance of 16-year-old Damien Nettles on the Isle of Wight in November 1996 remains a chilling unsolved mystery that continues to haunt his family and the island community. Damien, a teenager with dreams of becoming a marine biologist, vanished after a seemingly ordinary Saturday night out with friends. His last confirmed sighting was on CCTV footage around midnight, walking along Cowes High Street, but that footage has since been lost by police, adding another layer of frustration to the ongoing investigation. Over the years, Val Nettles, Damien’s mother, has endured a relentless barrage of rumors and speculation, each more horrifying than the last. These unverified accounts, ranging from gruesome tales of dismemberment to theories of his body being disposed of at sea, have become an inescapable part of her grief, painting vivid and disturbing images in her mind despite her efforts to dismiss them.
The initial police response to Damien’s disappearance was met with frustration and a perceived lack of urgency. Officers initially assumed he had run away or fallen into the sea, despite the stormy weather and Damien’s strong swimming abilities. This dismissive attitude, coupled with the loss of crucial CCTV footage, fuelled Val’s belief that something more sinister occurred and that someone on the island knows the truth about what happened to her son. The family’s pleas for more extensive searches and investigations were initially met with resistance, leaving them feeling helpless and abandoned in their desperate search for answers. Five years after Damien’s disappearance, the Nettles family, unable to bear the constant reminders of their loss, relocated to the United States. Despite the geographical distance, Val’s dedication to finding Damien never wavered.
Val Nettles has become a tireless advocate for her son and for other families of missing persons. She has given countless interviews, harnessed the power of social media, and written a book chronicling her family’s agonizing journey. Through these platforms, she shares Damien’s story, clinging to the hope that someone, somewhere, holds the key to unraveling the mystery. She meticulously preserves Damien’s belongings, from childhood drawings to love letters, each item a tangible link to her son and a testament to a life tragically cut short. These keepsakes serve as a poignant reminder of the young man he was and the future he never had the chance to realize. Her unwavering determination has led to several police investigations, searches, and arrests, but sadly, none have yielded conclusive results.
The investigation into Damien’s disappearance has been fraught with setbacks and unanswered questions. The loss of the crucial CCTV footage and the inconsistent accounts from potential witnesses have hindered progress. Despite eight arrests over the years, no charges have been filed, and the individuals involved were subsequently released. The “Unsolved – The Boy Who Disappeared” documentary, released by the BBC in 2016, shed light on a key suspect known for intimidating witnesses, further complicating the investigation and leaving more questions than answers. Community-led searches, fueled by tips from informants, have also proven fruitless, adding to the family’s anguish.
Val Nettles’ relentless pursuit of the truth has led her to connect with other families facing the same agonizing uncertainty. Through the charity Missing People, she has found solace and support, sharing her experiences and offering comfort to others who understand the unique pain of ambiguous loss. She has become a vital member of the organization’s advisory group, providing guidance and advocating for greater support for families of missing persons. This shared experience, while heartbreaking, has forged a strong bond between Val and other parents like Nicki Durbin, whose son Luke also disappeared. They find comfort in imagining their sons together, a poignant testament to the enduring power of hope and the unwavering love of a parent.
Despite the passage of time and the lack of concrete answers, Val Nettles remains steadfast in her commitment to uncovering the truth about her son’s disappearance. She continues to work closely with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, diligently passing on any new information she receives. Her unwavering hope is that someone will come forward with the crucial piece of information needed to bring closure to her family, allowing them to finally lay Damien to rest and begin the healing process. She emphasizes that her primary goal is not retribution, but simply to know what happened to her son and where his remains are located, finally ending the 28-year cycle of uncertainty and grief that has consumed her life.
