Disappearance of Daniel Yuen

The disappearance of Daniel Ted Yuen occurred on February 8, 2004, when the 16-year-old from Edison, New Jersey, vanished from the CEDU School, a therapeutic boarding school in Running Springs, California. Despite reported sightings and ongoing efforts by his family and investigators, Yuen's whereabouts remain unknown as of 2025.

Daniel Yuen
Born	Daniel Ted Yuen (1987-08-20)August 20, 1987 Edison, New Jersey, U.S.
Disappeared	February 8, 2004 (aged 16) Running Springs, California, U.S.
Nationality	American
Parent(s)	Lisa and Wayne Yuen

Background

Daniel Yuen was born on August 20, 1987, in Edison, New Jersey.^[1] During his sophomore year of high school, he experienced a significant decline in mental health, reportedly triggered by a breakup with his girlfriend. His parents sought psychiatric help, and following professional recommendations, enrolled him in the CEDU School in California in late January 2004.^[2][3]

Upon arrival, Daniel expressed that he did not want to stay at the school. According to his parents, school officials then asked them to step into another room. When they returned, staff informed them that Daniel had changed his mind and agreed to remain at the school.^[4]

Wayne and Lisa Yuen stated that they requested the opportunity to say goodbye to their son, but school staff advised against it, suggesting that it would be emotionally difficult for Daniel and recommending that they leave without a farewell.^[4]

The school allowed one phone call home every week and Yuen expressed dissatisfaction with the school environment, indicating to his parents that he was unhappy and fearful of other students, and mentioned plans to run away.^[5] during the conversation the line was disconnected.^[4] He had a prior history of running away from home in New Jersey.

Disappearance

On the morning of February 8, 2004, Yuen left the CEDU campus around 10:45 a.m., stating he was going to purchase cigarettes.^[6][2] He did not take any personal belongings or identification with him and failed to return. The school notified his parents, who promptly traveled to California to assist in the search.

Investigation

Initial investigations classified Yuen as a runaway. A private investigator named Keith Raymond who used work for CEDU was hired by the family reported possible sightings in San Diego's Hilltop Community Park, where scent-tracking dogs indicated his presence.^[2] However, searches yielded no conclusive evidence. In December 2018, the investigator received an anonymous call suggesting Yuen was alive and residing in the area but did not wish to be found. Witnesses reported seeing a man resembling Yuen accompanied by a woman and child, but these leads were unconfirmed.^[2]

CEDU School closure

The CEDU School faced numerous allegations of abuse and mismanagement, leading to lawsuits from families, including the Yuens. In 2005, the institution filed for bankruptcy and closed all its campuses.^[5][7]

Current status

As of June 2025, Daniel Yuen remains missing. His case is listed with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and the Doe Network. His family continues to seek information regarding his whereabouts and emphasizes that he is not in trouble, expressing a desire solely to confirm his well-being.

See also

• List of people who disappeared
• CEDU
• Troubled teen industry