What was supposed to be a day of festivities and commemoration turned into catastrophe for West Finford. On the morning of April 11th, residents and tourists alike filled the town plaza, excited and cheerful despite the gloomy weather.

Mayor Rev. Jud O’Connor opened Denny’s Decade Celebration by welcoming attendees and reminiscing on the town’s milestones since Denny’s arrival with a heartfelt speech. The joyous chatter came to a crescendo when museum founder, Dylan Rhodes, took the stage. But instead of announcing the re-opening of the titular deinocheirus’ exhibit as anticipated, the townsfolk were met with grim news.

“I’m afraid something unfortunate has occurred,” Rhodes declared somberly, “Denny has gone missing from the museum.”

Suddenly, a whirlwind of shock, devastation, and grief hit locals at this revelation. Some weeped, others shouted, but as the realization slowly set in, most went home quietly to mourn.

“This can’t be real,” a resident said, “I don’t even know what to say. What will we do without Denny?” a sentiment that was shared among most.

A week has passed since the supposed celebration, with the town left in silence to recuperate as the rain continues to pour. This morning, together with the mayor, West Finford Museum of Natural History finally made a public statement regarding Denny’s disappearance.

Dylan Rhodes reading public statement

Rhodes’ statement has been transcribed as such:

“Good morning everyone: West Finford locals, tourists, and media personnels. Although I cannot imagine that any morning since last week has been good for anyone.

First of all, I would like to deeply apologize for our prolonged silence. We wanted to give people time to grasp the situation and grieve as we figured out our next steps. Denny meant greatly to all of us, there is no shame in the anger, pain, and tears shed.

Secondly, after a thorough investigation of the entire building, we can confirm that [Denny] has not been seen within museum premises since the night before his decade celebration. We take full responsibility for our failure in securing the exhibition and promise to search the town within our full capacity.

The museum humbly asks for your help. If you have any information, findings, or want to volunteer for search parties, please contact us. Any help you can offer would do us all well.

With all this being said, I must be frank with you all. There is, morosely, a very high chance that we have seen the last of our beloved Denny. I understand that this is awful to hear, we are allowed to ache—we must, truly we must—but we should not lose hope for our town.

Denny’s arrival has been a beacon of hope, and so too should his departure become. Though his legacy will never be replaced, it can continue as we move forward like we have through every adversity this town has faced. There will always be more awe-inspiring and wonderful things to find in West Finford—whether it’s buried, sunken, or simply hasn’t arrived yet—we just have to look closely.”

“In other news, the position for museum administrator just opened up. Applicants are welcome starting tomorrow, please bring your own pen.”

Alongside the collective grief, a tinge of hope was sparked by the museum’s message.

“I’m heartbroken, but also a bit hopeful,” said the mayor, “You have to be in times like these.”

Residents exiting town hall

Others, though, seem to still be reeling from the incident. Local fisherman, Freddy, laments on that state of the town.

“I gotta admit, the ole town hasn’t been doing too good these past years. Less tourists, less trade, more floods. Denny’s anniversary was supposed to change that, put us back on the map, y’know?”

Alexa Hirsch and Efren Reyes, the museum’s exhibition designer and maintenance respectively, shared their thoughts on the museum’s involvement.

“It’s terrible, awful. The museum staff is not as big as it was and security isn't as tight. Maybe it should have been, but still, nobody would have even thought that fossils that big could disappear just like that—and all in one night.” commented Hirsch.

“I think it hurt Frank the most out of all of us,” said Reyes, referring to former museum administrator Frank Zielinski, “He’s been celebrating his birthday with Denny since he was a kid, they grew up together in a way. Must’ve got up and left the moment he heard the news, I don’t blame him.”

Rhodes also discloses the museum’s continued operation despite the loss of its prime exhibition.

“The museum will stay open, just as it always has. There are much more artifacts, and there will be more. It might be harder without an administrator, but I’m sure we’ll manage,” he said earnestly, “Frank was a good man. He has done more for this town than he will ever realize.”

Do you have information on Denny?

If you know anything regarding Denny’s disappearance, please fill out this form or contact the West Finford Museum of Natural History immediately.