The FBI is investigating the disappearance of Jaime Dugan, a former contestant on 'Survivor: China,' and her 16-year-old son, Harper Huffman. According to reports, the pair vanished after Dugan failed to return her son to his father, Erik Huffman, following a visit on August 30. An open investigation is underway regarding their whereabouts.
On September 21, Spartanburg County Family Court Judge M. Todd Thigpen held Dugan in direct contempt for keeping Harper from his father and missing subsequent court dates. The judge declared Harper as 'missing and endangered' and ordered Dugan's immediate arrest, allowing police to take her into custody statewide.
Erik Huffman expressed concern for his son's safety, stating, 'Harper’s safety and wellbeing is my top priority right now, and getting him back safely is extremely important.' He described their relationship as strong and stable since Harper came into his care.
Dugan and Huffman, who met while competing on 'Survivor: China' in 2007, married in 2009. They welcomed Harper in 2010. Following a public divorce in 2024, Huffman was awarded custody of Harper, while Dugan was granted visitation every other weekend.
Despite the ongoing custody issues, Huffman emphasized his desire for Harper to maintain a relationship with his mother. 'I truly am concerned about her mental stability, and his safety,' he said, detailing his efforts to locate them and communicate with law enforcement.
After Dugan failed to return Harper, an emergency court hearing was held on September 15, where she joined remotely despite not being permitted to do so. The judge ordered her to disclose their whereabouts, but she refused. Dugan was subsequently ordered to appear in person with Harper on September 18, but neither attended.
The court found her absence willful, leading to an order for her arrest. The judge suspended her visitation rights, awarded sole custody to Huffman, and mandated that Dugan surrender Harper's passport upon arrest. Allegations made by Dugan against Huffman regarding abuse were deemed unfounded by the judge.
Additionally, Dugan faced a cyberstalking charge in 2025, which was later dropped. Following the divorce, she filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection, reporting debts exceeding $509,000. Dugan's attorney stated that she is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law and expressed hope for Harper's safe return.