STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
CASE#: 26B1008774
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Sgt. Dan Bennett
STATION: VSP Westminster Barracks
CONTACT#: 802-722-4600
DATE/TIME: 0900 hrs. October 5, 2026
INCIDENT LOCATION: Tarbell Hill Road at Oscarson Road, Cavendish, VT
INCIDENT: Missing person
NAME: Pieter van Schaik
AGE: 83
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Windsor, VT
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:
This morning, October 5, 2026, Van Schaik was found safe and well in Cavendish, VT. The Vermont State Police thank members of the community for their tips, phone calls, and assistance in this matter.
Initial News Release, Sunday, October 4, 2026:
The Vermont State Police are actively searching for a missing, vulnerable adult in the Windsor County town of Cavendish, 83-year-old Pieter van Schaik. He was last seen at about 1200 hrs. hiking in a wooded area near Tarbell Hill Road and Oscarson Road, known as the Albert C. Lord State Forest, in Cavendish, when he became separated from his party.
Van Schaik is believed to be on foot in the area. VSP asks members of the public to check their property and any outbuildings for van Schaik or signs he might have been in the area.
Van Schaik is about 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighs 165 pounds, and has white hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing hiking boots, a blue jacket, a blue baseball cap, black jeans, and a blue backpack. Two photographs of van Schaik are attached to this release.
This disappearance is not considered suspicious, but there are concerns for his welfare. Anyone who sees van Schaik or has information on his possible whereabouts should call VSP’s Westminster Barracks at 802-722 -4600.
Sergeant Daniel F. Bennett
Vermont State Police
Professional Standards
Fair & Impartial Policing & Community Affairs
45 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671
