Vanished Without a Trace: The 1972 Disappearance of Carlene Tengelsen Still Haunts Macon, Georgia
In the summer of 1972, 16-year-old Carlene Tengelsen left her home in Macon, Georgia, to pick up her younger sister from summer camp. It was an ordinary afternoon—her first solo trip behind the wheel—but Carlene never came home. Her disappearance on June 21, 1972, remains one of Georgia’s most haunting unsolved mysteries.
What Happened
Carlene had just received her driver’s license and was thrilled to be trusted with the family’s 1963 white station wagon. That afternoon, her mother allowed her to use the car to pick up her younger sister from Mercer University, where a summer camp was being held. Carlene mentioned stopping by a nearby shopping plaza on the way.
Although she invited her younger brother and older sister to come along, both declined—so Carlene left alone. Hours passed, and she never returned. The car was eventually located, but there was no trace of Carlene, and she has not been seen or heard from since.
Who Was Carlene Tengelsen?
Carlene was a bright, spirited teenager with a sense of adventure and growing independence. Her family described her as enthusiastic and full of life, looking forward to the freedom that came with driving. That June day marked her first solo outing behind the wheel—and tragically, her last known journey.
Timeline of Events
June 21, 1972: Carlene leaves home in the afternoon to pick up her sister, planning a brief stop at a local shopping plaza.
She drives alone in the family’s white 1963 station wagon.
She never arrives at Mercer University and doesn’t return home.
The car is later found, abandoned, with no signs of struggle or clue as to where Carlene might have gone.
Despite immediate efforts by family and police, no leads ever materialize.
Lasting Impact and Community Response
Carlene’s disappearance shocked the Macon community and left her family devastated. Over the years, the case has faded from headlines but remains vivid in the memories of those who knew her. While it hasn’t received widespread media coverage in modern times, the mystery still lingers—a painful, unanswered chapter in Macon’s history.
The Case Today
Despite investigations and renewed hopes over the decades, no significant developments have ever emerged. The case remains open but cold, and authorities continue to encourage anyone with information to come forward.
Carlene Tengelsen has never been found—and her loved ones still wait for answers, hoping someone, somewhere, may hold the missing piece of the puzzle.
If you have any information about the disappearance of Carlene Tengelsen, please contact local law enforcement or submit a tip anonymously. Even the smallest detail could help bring closure to a case that has remained unresolved for over 50 years.