Traci Pittman, a vibrant woman in her thirties, vanished from Elmore County without a trace on April 26, 1998, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and a desperate community in Wetumpka, Alabama, hungry for answers. This beloved daughter, mother, and friend became the center of a mysterious disappearance that forever changed the small town.
It was reported Traci was approximately 5’10” and around 140 pounds. Her distinctive appearance included brown frosted hair that framed her face, accentuating her captivating hazel-green eyes. When she was last seen, she had on pink shorts, a white floral top, and white tennis shoes. She had unique identifiers like pierced ears and a C-section scar on her abdomen that could potentially lead to her discovery.
Traci Leigh Pittman, born on March 15, 1968, in Montgomery, Alabama, was the daughter of Stephen and Linda Pittman. Love blossomed, and she found companionship in Greg Kegley, eventually marrying him in 1993. Their home was established on Fairfield Drive in Montgomery. In November 1995, their joy multiplied with the birth of a beautiful baby girl.
However, life took an unexpected turn, and in 1997, Traci and Greg decided to separate. They amicably signed the necessary divorce documents in February 1998, officially dissolving their marriage on April 11, 1998. This separation brought about new challenges for Traci, who now faced the daunting task of finding a job and a new home. Seeking support and solace, she moved in with her parents at their Lake Martin residence near Eclectic, Alabama.
Determined to carve out a better future, Traci secured a job at a local dentist’s office, scheduled to begin on April 27, 1998. However, tragedy struck on April 26. Traci and her daughter embarked on a routine errand run in her white 1993 Geo Storm. As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, they made a stop at the BP gas station near the intersection of Highway 231 North and Redland Road in Wetumpka. According to relatives, surveillance footage captured Traci pumping gas and proceeding into the store to settle the bill. But what transpired afterward remains shrouded in mystery.
The following morning, a concerned local resident stumbled upon Traci’s Geo Storm parked near Old Georgia Road, approximately two miles east of the gravel pits on Highway 170. Traci’s daughter, miraculously unharmed but left alone, remained in the vehicle. Alarmed, the individual promptly contacted the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office. When investigators arrived at the scene, they made chilling discoveries. Traci’s car sat with the keys in the auxiliary position, the radio humming softly, and her purse left behind. Strangely, witnesses recalled the engine still running and the windows rolled down two to three inches.
Authorities believed that Traci and her daughter were en route to her parents’ house. However, road construction on a portion of Highway 170 made it unlikely that Traci would have taken that route instead of an alternative path. Despite numerous searches, including dives into nearby quarries, no concrete information regarding Traci’s whereabouts emerged. Desperate to find their daughter, Traci’s parents erected billboards throughout the area, urging anyone with crucial information to come forward. They even offered a substantial reward, increasing each year in the hope of incentivizing leads. Yet, these tireless efforts yielded no breakthroughs.
Within a year, Traci’s case transferred to the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation as hopes dwindled and leads became scarce. The once-vibrant investigation began to wane, leaving Traci’s loved ones trapped in a perpetual state of anguish and yearning. The pain of her absence never subsided, and the weight of grief bore heavily upon their hearts.
“We know who you are, and if you don’t come see us very soon, we will be coming to see you.”
District Attorney Randall Houston 2018
These words echoed the determination of the community, with Governor Kay Ivey issuing a $10,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for Traci’s disappearance. The community rallied behind this cause, clinging to the flickering hope that justice would prevail and their cherished Traci would finally come home.
Years turned into decades, and the search for Traci Pittman continued, albeit with diminishing resources. The once-bustling investigation dwindled, but the love for Traci burned as brightly as ever within the hearts of her family and friends. Their unwavering devotion fueled their pursuit of the truth, never allowing the memories of Traci to fade.
Today, the small town of Wetumpka still carries the weight of Traci’s absence, a reminder of the enduring mysteries that haunt its streets. The community remains united, their collective desire to bring Traci home serving as a beacon of hope. They stand resolved, determined to uncover the truth that has eluded them for far too long.
Traci’s story serves as a reminder of the countless individuals who vanish, leaving behind fractured communities and hearts burdened with unanswered questions. As time marches on, the longing for resolution only grows stronger. It is our shared responsibility to keep their stories alive, to shine a light on the forgotten, and to tirelessly seek justice. For Traci and others like her, the quest for answers continues, refusing to be silenced until the truth is revealed and they can find their way back home.
To hear more about Traci’s case, tune in to Episode 10 of Unforgotten.
If you have any information related to the disappearance of Traci Pittman Kegley, please contact the Alabama SBI at 334-676-7870, 800-392-8011, or sbi.investigations@alea.gov. You may also contact CrimeStoppers at 334-215-7867.
Join the efforts to address the backlog of unsolved cases in Alabama and support the rights of victims’ families by signing the petition. By adding your name, you can help bring attention to this crucial issue and advocate for justice and closure for those affected by unsolved crimes. Together, we can make a difference.
