Donald Ray Fortson
Missing since November 3, 1998 from Blount County, Alabama
Classification: Endangered Missing

Vital Statistics

• Date Of Birth: December 10, 1945
• Age at Time of Disappearance: 52 years old
• Height and Weight at Time of Disappearance: 5'10"; 150 lbs.
• Distinguishing Characteristics: White male. Brown hair; brown eyes.

Circumstances of Disappearance
Fortson and his nephew, Huey Hazelrig, were last seen in the Cleveland area of Blount County, AL on November 3, 1998. Birmingham News (AL) 11/5/01 Eddie Hazelrig 31 Don Fortsonsince 52 Hazelrig and his uncle, Donald Fortson, were last seen in the Cleveland area of Blount County, AL on November 3, 1998.
Police found the pickup truck they were last seen in engulfed in flames along Warrior Valley Roadjust inside Etowah County.
A friend last saw the two men together at Hazelrig's trailer and said they left together about 3:30 p.m. to go check on a car. Hazelrig collected antique cars. He made a long distance call before he left.
Hazelrig took $3000 with him when he went to look at the car. Hazelrig was a full-time farmer and he and his uncle also worked together on wallboard jobs. Both men left thousands of dollars in their bank accounts money that has not been touched.
Both had been in trouble before but nothing too serious. Hazelrig was twice arrested on misdemeanors but never found guilty. Fortson in the mid-1990s was convicted of several alcohol-related charges.
Hazelrig grew up in Cleveland and attended one year of college before dropping out to farm full time with his pigs, goats and vegetables.
He collected antique cars had just bought a new motorcycle and was devoted to his bloodhound Hound Dog. Hazelrig and his uncle lived together and often worked together on gypsum wallboard jobs. Family members describe Fortson as a humble man who years ago lost his daughter to murder.
There's a strong suspicion of foul play

Investigators
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:

Blount County Sheriff's Office
205-625-4127

NCIC Number: M-168728991
Please refer to this number when contacting any agency with information regarding this case.

Source Information:
Alabama Department of Public Safety
Birmingham News (AL) 11/5/01