Joe Keller
A search continues in Conejos Canyon in Colorado for a 19-year-old Cleveland, Tn., youth missing since Thursday.
EMS authorities said the teen arrived in the area Thursday morning with two friends.
He has not been seen since he went jogging a couple of miles west of Horca, which is 22 miles west of the town of Antonito, around 4:30 Thursday afternoon.
He is described as 5’7” tall, 160 pounds, with blond spiked hair and in good physical condition. He was wearing only red reflective shorts and blue running shoes with orange trim. He has an African, or British sounding accent. He was not carrying any food or water.
“Our top priority is to find this young man,” said Conejos County Sheriff Howard Galvez. Sheriff Galvez has been coordinating the air and ground search of the high altitude mountainous area. On Friday a Flight for Life conducted air search efforts. Saturday and Sunday a multi-mission aircraft equipped with radar, heat sensors, and infrared participated in the search.
Search teams on the ground include the Conejos County Sheriff’s Department, Conejos County Search and Rescue, Forest Service, Upper Pine Fire and Rescue, numerous volunteers, and search dogs from Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. Red Cross volunteers are on hand to provide support to responders. Rough terrain has complicated the search.
At the Cleveland City Council meeting on Monday, Mayor Tom Rowland asked for prayer for the missing teen. He said he is related to a member of the city staff.
Authorities have said they do not believe that foul play is involved. He was on a cross-country trip with the two friends.