The sister of Army Special Forces veteran Clint Bonnell is still searching for answers nearly a month after he went missing in North Carolina. Bonnell, who had been attending Methodist University in Fayetteville, was last heard from on January 27, 2025, but never showed up for class the following day.
Clint Bonnell’s sister, Stefanie Firkins, describes him as a healthy, hardworking, and reliable family man. She expressed deep concern over his disappearance, stating it is completely out of character for him.
“I know what he was doing the day that he disappeared. He was making plans for his life and studying for exams the next day,” Firkins told ABC. “All signs point to him vanishing not on his own accord.”
Bonnell, who had recently retired from the Army in December 2024, was studying in the physician assistant program at Methodist University. His sister emphasized how committed he was to his studies and how much he valued his education.
Bonnell was last seen at Fit4Life gym on Owen Drive on January 27. Afterward, he went to Methodist University, where it is believed he was present between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Later that evening, he texted a friend to say he had arrived home in Fayetteville. However, he did not attend class the next day and has not been heard from since.
“He worked so hard to get into this P.A. program and took it very seriously,” Firkins said. “He would not have just not shown up.”
Following concerns about his absence, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office conducted a wellness check at Bonnell’s home, where he resides with his wife, Shana Cloud.
They found his car and car keys there, but no sign of him.
One of the most pressing questions emerging in the wake of Bonnell’s disappearance is why his wife did not report him missing. On January 29, Cloud reached out to his sister, who lives in Texas, via Facebook, asking if she had spoken to him. She then informed Firkins that he had not shown up for class for two days and that the sheriff had been to their home multiple times.
This revelation has fueled public speculation, with many social media users questioning why Cloud did not immediately report her husband missing. Some have pointed out that despite the unusual circumstances, there has been no widespread search effort in the area, adding to concerns about how the case is being handled.
The Salty Soldier attempted to reach Cloud over the phone but was unsuccessful.
The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office posted about his disappearance on January 30, later updating it on February 7 with details about his last known whereabouts. The post stated he was last seen in the Gray’s Creek area on the evening of January 27, wearing a plaid button-up shirt, a black hoodie, and brown pants.
Despite living in Texas, Firkins is doing everything she can to help find her brother. “He would not walk away from his life, his school, or his daughter,” she said. “We are praying every day for his safety. We will not stop looking for him or searching for answers.”
As authorities continue their investigation, his sister urges anyone with information to come forward.
“We as a society have to stop being dismissive to these soldiers who have given so much and assuming they’ve just given up on themselves,” Firkins wrote on a GoFundMe page set up to fund a reward for information that leads to finding him. “Clint did not give up on himself! And I’m not giving up on looking for him!”
On Thursday morning, a public information officer with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s office confirmed the case is still considered a missing persons case in an emailed statement to TheSaltySoldier.com.
“The investigation is ongoing and active, therefore details/information that can be released are limited,” they wrote.
If you have any information about Clint Bonnell’s whereabouts, please contact:
- Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office Detective Sergeant J. McLeod at (910) 677-5548
- Fayetteville / Cumberland County Crimestoppers at (910) 483-TIPS (8477) (anonymous tips accepted)
© 2025 The Salty Soldier All rights reserved.
The content of this webpage may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written consent of TheSaltySoldier.com.
