Ken DeLand missing: Timeline of the disappearance of an American college student while studying abroad in France

Ken “Kenny” DeLand, an American college student studying abroad in France, has been missing for more than two weeks. His parents, based in upstate New York, have launched a media blitz asking for information that could lead to his return before Christmas, also providing suggestions via findkendeland.com.

A French prosecutor has joined the case, and the US State Department and the US embassy in Paris said they are helping local authorities locate the 22-year-old who hasn’t shown up for classes at the University of Grenoble Alpes since November 28. DeLand, enrolled at St. John Fisher University in Rochester, NY, was an Eagle Scout and took French classes through middle school and high school, even though he was not fluent in the language.

He also previously interned in the office of a New York state senator and aspires to be a lawyer.

His parents said it is out of his character not to contact home. They say local, national and international authorities – including universities and AIFS Abroad – have been reluctant to share private information – even with his own family – about Kenny’s whereabouts because he is an adult.

THE DISAPPEARANCE OF KEN DELAND IN FRANCE SHINES LIGHT ON THE “ABOLISHED” BORDERS OF THE EUROPEAN TRAVEL ZONE

Here’s a timeline of the events leading up to his disappearance and what’s known so far.

October 28 – Kenny shares a photo of Nikola – Tesla Airport on Facebook, saying that he had a stopover in Serbia that day.

His father, also Ken DeLand, told Fox News Digital that his son traveled throughout Europe — as is common for students studying abroad — during a break from the University of Grenoble Alpes to visit Italy.

Kenny shared photos on social media from Rome, Naples and Florence.

November 18 – Kenny shares a selfie on Facebook with a rainbow view above the Eiffel Tower in Paris. His Facebook page also features photo dumps from other trips through France, as well as a cooking class he took while abroad.

27 November – Kenny last spoke to his father, also called Ken DeLand, and his mother, Carol Laws, via WhatsApp. The family believes that he also spoke to his French host family in Grenoble that day.

28 November – Kenny attended lectures at the University of Grenoble Alpes. Those who saw him said he looked “normal and happy,” according to the family’s website. He also spoke to his host family that day.

November 29 – University officials filed a missing persons report with French officials and notified Kenny’s parents of his disappearance. Kenny did not attend class and was not seen by his friends or his French host family.

“Initially, Ken struggled to fit in and make friends overseas,” the family’s website says. “However, he has continued to remain positive and has made great connections. It is vital to note that Ken has friends in France, and they are the ones who initially reported him missing to the school and continue to show support and check for updates on Ken. We have all the same mission: to get Ken back safe and sound.”

The DeLand family later learned that Kenny ate breakfast, made a sandwich, and placed it in a small bag with a change of clothes, his wallet, and his cell phone. Ken left all of his belongings at his host family’s house, including his computer, tablet, train pass and phone charger. He even spoke to a neighbor before leaving.

“Ken had a conversation with his neighbor outside the guest house, which was said to have been positive. The neighbor said Ken seemed in good spirits and excited about the day,” the family’s website says. “We are not aware of the entire discussion or if the neighbor was informed if Ken was planning to travel.”

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”.

November 30th – Kenny’s phone last rang at the Valence train station at 19:00 CEST. It’s about two and a half hours by train from Grenoble. His phone has had no activity since this date.

December 3 — According to his bank statements, Kenny made a purchase at the Decathlon sporting goods store in Montelimar, France at 2:45pm CEST for $8.40. Surveillance video also showed Kenny entering the store around that time. He wore a red jacket, scarf, gray cap, blue jeans/trousers and trainers and carried a black backpack. He is about 6 feet tall and weighs about 190 pounds.

Kenny’s study abroad program ends on December 17 and his visa will expire on January 20, 2023. He has reportedly told friends in the United States and France that he wishes to travel to Marseilles before returning home.

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If he tries to leave France by train, his passport will ping, according to the family’s website.

However, DeLand’s father told Fox News Digital that the family learned Kenny could have left France undetected, possibly across the “abolished” border of the Schengen Zone, which doesn’t require travelers to present ID. identity. It’s unclear, however, whether Kenny went that route.