For 25 years, his mother lit a candle every night. Last week, it flickered for real.

When 19-year-old Josh Palmer disappeared from his college campus in Colorado in 1999, his trail went cold within weeks. No suspects, no car, no closure.

Until July 2025.

A phone number tied to Josh’s long-deactivated account suddenly pinged a cell tower near Albuquerque, New Mexico. Police confirmed the SIM card matched a discontinued model no longer in circulation.

Now, a renewed search is underway, with cadaver dogs and forensic experts sweeping the desert.

Josh’s mother, now 70, says she “knew he wasn’t gone. Not really.”

Investigators won’t say if they believe Josh is alive — or if someone else is carrying his final message.