Lee County Sheriff’s deputies need your help finding a missing Cape Coral man

Writer: Drew Hill
Published: Updated:
derek burkham missing person
Credit: LCSO

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office began their search for a missing man on Monday evening. Now, they’re asking if you have any information to aid in their search.

29-year-old Derek Burkman was last seen at his home, near Veterans Memorial Parkway, just west of Cape Coral city limits, on Sunday.

Burkman is 5’9″ and weighs 170 pounds. He is a white male with blue eyes and short brown hair.

Burkham served his country as Navy Veteran.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has deployed the K-9 unit and used aerial resources to search for Burkham and consider him in danger.

Gail Marra is Derek’s mom and she’s at her wit’s end. “I am very worried about my son,” she said.

Just days ago, Marra said her son disappeared from their home and left some valuables behind.

“He left his cell phone, his wallet, anything that identifies him,” Marra said.

Burkham is a five-year Navy veteran and suffers from PTSD, his mom says. She also says he has struggled a great deal after he left his most recent job.

“He was coming up with no job and he was becoming very frustrated about that. I could see he was starting to get in crisis mode,” his mom said. “We both agreed Monday morning we would go to the VA and get some help. Unfortunately, it was more than he could probably handle and he left.”

Gail Marra is asking for your help to find her son. “It’s my goal and my hope that my prayers are answered that my son will perhaps see this or someone will find him and call the Lee County Sheriff’s Office,” Marra said.

Be on the lookout, and you may help answer this mother’s prayers.

If you have any information on the whereabouts of Derek Burkham, you can contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 239-477-1000 or you can contact SWFL Crimestoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS.

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