The repercussion of Amber Portwood’s ex-fiancé’s disappearance in June has come to light. In the season finale sneak peek of Teen Mom: Next Chapter, Maci Bookout McKinney stepped in to support Amber after her then-fiancé Gary Wayt went missing from their stay in North Carolina on June 9, 2024. Maci gave an update on Amber’s well-being during a phone call with castmate Catelynn Baltierra, shedding light on her emotional state.
Over the phone, Maci explained, “You wouldn’t believe the state Amber is in right now, it’s heartbreaking. We even spoke with the police chief today, who told us, ‘You’ve done all you can, now it’s time to go home and rest.’” Maci also expressed concerns about Amber’s ability to drive, saying, “She’s not in the right headspace to drive. I’ll take her to Knoxville, and from there, MTV will make sure she gets home safely.”
Amber recounts the last moments with Gary before he went missing, emphasizing the deep love in their relationship
Catelynn offered her love and support before hanging up, leading to a scene where Amber climbed into the car with Maci, tears streaming down her face. “It’s okay, babe,” Maci reassured her as Amber began sobbing.
Through tears, Amber confessed to Maci, “For days, I didn’t know if he was even alive.” Maci comforted her by referencing reports of Wayt’s recent sighting. “But he’s been found,” she said. Amber, slightly relieved, added, “Knowing he was in New Mexico at 1 a.m. brings me some peace.”
Shortly after the scene was filmed, Wayt was located safely in Oklahoma, around 900 miles from where he had initially disappeared. The Bryson City Police Department in North Carolina confirmed his safe discovery in a Facebook post on June 14, stating, “Gary Wayt has been found,” without offering additional details.
Amber had reported Wayt missing on June 11, two days after he failed to return to their hotel. She mentioned that they had a discussion that evening, though it wasn’t a heated argument.
During a YouTube livestream, Amber clarified, “We weren’t fighting, it was more emotional, related to his parents being Vietnamese and me being who I am. He was upset, and so was I. But we don’t yell or hurt each other.” She emphasized the strength of their relationship, saying, “We love each other deeply. He asked me to be with him, and then he proposed.”
Amber shared that Wayt left with his keys and wallet, but his phone was left behind, heightening her worry when he didn’t return. Expressing her fears, she called the situation “a huge deal.” “His parents, everyone, is very concerned. I’m terrified,” she admitted on YouTube. Just one week after Wayt’s recovery, Amber and Wayt called off their engagement.
