Disappearance of Weldon Kees (Nebraska)
An hour-long film exploring the life and spirit of Weldon Kees, a Nebraska-born poet, writer, painter, filmmaker, and musician last seen in July 1955, was released in January 2026, featuring commentary from writers like Boris Dralyuk. As of January 2026, the film aims to capture his unique artistic persona, while a new catalog of his work from the collection of poet Dana Gioia was released in December 2025. In 2023, a collection of Kees's materials, including manuscripts, diaries, and letters, was donated to a university. Three days before his disappearance, Kees reportedly confessed to attempting to jump from the Golden Gate Bridge but losing his nerve, providing insight into his state of mind.
Timeline
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April 2026 — 1 developments
Film exploring life of Weldon Kees released in January 2026
In January 2026, an hour-long film exploring the life and spirit of Weldon Kees was released, featuring commentary from writers like Boris Dralyuk. The film aims to capture his unique artistic persona. Kees, a Nebraska-born poet, writer, painter, filmmaker, and musician, was last seen in July 1955.
January 2026 — 1 developments
Police searching Weldon Kees's apartment received a silent phone call
While police were searching Weldon Kees's apartment after his disappearance, the phone rang but no one was on the other end.
December 2025 — 1 developments
Dana Gioia releases new catalog of Weldon Kees's work
A new catalog of Weldon Kees's work from the collection of poet Dana Gioia has been released, bringing fresh attention to the poet and his enduring mystery. This catalog showcases Gioia's collection of Kees's materials.
January 2023 — 1 developments
Kees's Materials Donated to University in 2023
In 2023, a collection of Kees's materials, including manuscripts, diaries, audio recordings, radio scripts, and letters, was donated to University.
July 2022 — 1 developments
Weldon Kees confessed to attempted Golden Gate Bridge jump days before disappearance
Three days before his disappearance, Weldon Kees reportedly confessed to attempting to jump from the Golden Gate Bridge but losing his nerve. This provides insight into his state of mind prior to vanishing.
May 2017 — 2 developments
Weldon Kees had plans before disappearance, new detail reveals
Weldon Kees reportedly had plans for the coming weeks before his disappearance, a detail not previously noted in the existing information about his case.
Kees's Mother Donates Literary Estate to Lincoln City Libraries
After Kees's disappearance, his mother donated his literary estate to Lincoln City Libraries. The collection includes papers collected from Kees' apartment by his parents after his disappearance, as well as photographs.
January 2003 — 1 developments
James Reidel publishes biography of Weldon Kees, 'Vanished Act'
James Reidel published a biography of Kees titled 'Vanished Act: The Life and Art of Weldon Kees.'
January 1986 — 1 developments
University of Nebraska Press Publishes Weldon Kees Correspondence Volume of Correspondence
A volume of Kees's correspondence, 'Weldon Kees and the Midcentury Generation: Letters, 1935–1955,' was published by the University of Nebraska Press.
January 1960 — 1 developments
Donald Justice Compiled and Edited 'The Collected Poems of Weldon Kees'
Donald Justice, a poet who admired Kees's work, compiled and edited 'The Collected Poems of Weldon Kees,' which was subsequently released as a trade paperback.
July 1955 — 2 developments
Kees's 1954 Plymouth Savoy found abandoned with keys in ignition; watch, wallet, sleeping bag, and savings missing
Kees's 1954 Plymouth Savoy was found abandoned in a parking lot on the Marin County side of the Golden Gate Bridge, with the keys in the ignition. A search of his apartment revealed his cat, Lonesome, and a pair of red socks soaking in the sink, but his watch, wallet, sleeping bag, and savings account book (containing $800) were missing.
Kees Discusses Suicide or Mexico Move with Friend Michael Grieg
Kees had drinks with his friend Michael Grieg, discussing plans to either commit suicide or move to Mexico.
September 1954 — 1 developments
Weldon Kees Separates From Wife Ann
Weldon Kees separated from his wife, Ann.
February 1914 — 1 developments
Harry Weldon Kees born in Beatrice, Nebraska
Harry Weldon Kees was born in Beatrice, Nebraska.