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Rumors and media speculation swirled around the case: about illegal deer hunters in the area; about the possibility that the pair, who were not married, had run off together; and about a local recluse known as the Button Man — although there is no evidence he was ever a suspect in the case.

Campers and hikers say the Button Man appears out of the woods without a sound.

But many also joke to hikers before they set out into the valley: “Be careful of the Button Man!”

There is no evidence that the Button Man had anything to do with the disappearances, or ever saw Mr. Hill and Ms. Clay at their campsite.

These stories center on the Button Man.