A French police report describes missing American college student Ken DeLand as in a “fragile frame of mind” and possibly “depressed” as the search for the 22-year-old studying abroad goes on for two weeks.
A national police report from the French Interior Ministry – obtained and translated by Fox News – establishes the “disturbing concrete facts” considered “mandatory for a proper investigation”. The report, dated Nov. 29, describes DeLand as an American student who “doesn’t speak French well.”
She also notes that DeLand, described as having short blond hair, blue eyes and a blond and light beige beard and moustache, is in a “fragile mood” and “may be depressed”.
In a statement obtained by Fox News Digital on Monday, Grenoble prosecutor Eric Vaillant said DeLand had “arrived in France unprepared and was having difficulty making friends.”
THE DISAPPEARANCE OF KEN DELAND IN FRANCE SHINES LIGHT ON THE “ABOLISHED” BORDERS OF THE EUROPEAN TRAVEL ZONE
Ken DeLand studies abroad.
(findkendeland.com)
He also said that DeLand “appears to have left Grenoble voluntarily”.
DeLand’s father, also named Ken DeLand, speaking to Fox News Digital, complained that Vaillant appeared to have access to testimony and more information than his own family, which has received pushback from institutions reluctant to release details on the 22-year-old DeLand. without the adult student waiving his or her right to privacy in advance.
Ken DeLand, an American college student who disappeared in France, seen in his Eagle Scout uniform with his mother, Carol Laws.
(The DeLand family)
DeLand, currently enrolled at St. John Fisher University in Rochester, NY, took about five or six years of French classes in middle and high school and was an Eagle Scout in Clifton Springs, NY
Ken DeLand smiles in photo while studying abroad.
(findkendeland.com)
Jim Conners, committee chairman for Boy Scout Troop 59, said he was very involved with Kenny throughout his scouting career from when he was about 10 to 18 years old. For his Eagle Scout Project, DeLand arranged for Veterans banners to hang throughout the village, coordinating with families to provide photos, welders to make the banner stands, and printing services to prepare the Veteran’s Day banners, he stated Conners.
University of Grenoble station in Grenoble, France on Dec. 13, 2022.
(Julien Reynaud/Abaca Press for Fox News Digital)
On what the French prosecutor said about DeLand having trouble making friends, Conners dismissed the idea.
“He’s very social, very outgoing. You know, as far as you know, it’s definitely unusual in regards to not being able to make friends,” Conners told Fox News Digital of DeLand. “I remember wherever we were, he could find someone to talk to, and I’m sure he gets it from his father. Because his father can talk to anyone and carry on a conversation. It doesn’t matter who he is.”
General view of the University of Grenoble in Grenoble, France on Dec. 13, 2022.
(Julien Reynaud/Abaca Press for Fox News Digital)
DeLand, who is a graduate of Midlakes High School, also interned for New York State Senator Pam Helming, a Republican, from 2019 to 2020. Helming said she first met DeLand when she was a high school senior and the presented a proclamation at his Eagle Scout ceremony.
AMERICAN COLLEGE KEN DELAND DISAPPEARED IN FRANCE INTERNED FOR NEW YORK SENATOR: ‘A POSITIVE ENERGY’
Fox News Digital first reported that DeLand’s father said he received tips through the family’s website – findkendeland.com – theorizing that his son may have already left France undetected via the Schengen zone, a area “where 26 European countries have abolished their internal borders” and travelers can transit without presenting passports or other identification documents.
Ken DeLand, American college student who disappeared in France, is pictured with his mother and younger brother standing in front of a Christmas tree.
(The DeLand family)
But the father noted that DeLand has already traveled to Italy during a break from the University of Grenoble Alpes – and later returned to France as planned to continue his study abroad program.
The family said they last heard from DeLand on Nov. 27 via WhatsApp. He went to class Nov. 28, where those who saw him said he looked “normal and happy,” according to the family’s website.
Ken DeLand, an American college student who disappeared in France, is pictured after graduating from high school with his mother, Carol Laws, and younger brother.
(The DeLand family)
DeLand was reported missing on Nov. 29 after failing to show up for class or being seen by friends or his host family. He reportedly left all of his possessions at his host family’s home, including his computer, tablet, train pass and phone charger. His phone last rang at the Valence train station on November 30th.
Ken DeLand walks into a store on December 3rd.
(findkendeland.com)
Bank records showed he made a purchase on Decathlon 3 at the Decathlon sporting goods store in Montelimar, France for just $8.40. Surveillance video also showed the 6-foot, 190-pound DeLand entering the store wearing a red jacket, scarf, gray cap, blue jeans and sneakers while carrying a black backpack. His study abroad program will end on December 17 and his visa will expire on January 20.
Ken DeLand, an American college student who disappeared in France, appears in a family Christmas photo.
(The DeLand family)
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“We are aware of reports of a missing US citizen in France,” the US embassy in Paris said in a statement to Fox News. “When a U.S. citizen is missing, we work closely with local authorities as they carry out their search efforts and share information with families whenever we can.”
“The State Department has no higher priority than the welfare and safety of U.S. citizens abroad,” he added. “We stand ready to provide adequate assistance to needy U.S. citizens and their families.”
Maria Paronich, Landon Mion and Cicely Medintzeff of Fox News contributed to this report.
