Fears grow for American college student, 22, who has disappeared while studying abroad in France as parents release image of the last time he was spotted more than eight days ago

  • Ken DeLand, 22, was last spotted at an Alps sports store at 9am on December 3
  • His worried parents texted him on November 30, but his phone no longer pings
  • College student last contacted his family before boarding train on November 27
  • Parents set up website, saying: ‘We fear the worst and want him to be located’

By Adam Solomons For Mailonline

Published: 12:37 GMT, 12 December 2022 | Updated: 13:04 GMT, 12 December 2022

The parents of an American college student missing in France say they ‘fear the worst’ more than eight days after he vanished.

Kenneth DeLand, 22, was last seen on surveillance cameras at a sporting goods store in Alpine resort Montelimar at 9am on December 3.

Father Ken DeLand Sr and mother Carol last heard from their son via WhatsApp on November 27.

His phone has not received messages since November 30.

Ken, 22, was last seen at a sporting goods store in the south of France nine days ago

Ken, 22, was last seen at a sporting goods store in the south of France nine days ago

Surveillance footage shows the college student (pictured entering the store in a red jacket) in his last known appearance. DeLand's parents have now launched a website to track him down

Surveillance footage shows the college student (pictured entering the store in a red jacket) in his last known appearance. DeLand's parents have now launched a website to track him down

Surveillance footage shows the college student (pictured entering the store in a red jacket) in his last known appearance. DeLand’s parents have now launched a website to track him down

Ken told his mom and dad that he was leaving the home of his host family to catch a train to Valence, around 30 miles from Montelimar.

The senior at St John Fisher University in Rochester, New York has spent the past few months studying at the University of Grenoble Alpes.

Ken and Carol have now launched a website to raise awareness about their boy’s missing status.

They wrote: ‘We are extremely worried and want him to return home safe.

‘We fear the worst and want him to be located.’

Dad Ken Sr, mom Carol and younger brother Zacary pose for a family photo with Ken

Dad Ken Sr, mom Carol and younger brother Zacary pose for a family photo with Ken

Dad Ken Sr, mom Carol and younger brother Zacary pose for a family photo with Ken

He has been listed on the French missing persons list and is also being sought by his bank.

The student was last seen wearing a red jacket, scarf, a grey beanie, blue pants, a black backpack and sneakers. 

Mr and Mrs DeLand say he is about 6 feet tall and 190 pounds. 

Study abroad organizers the American Institute for Foreign Study said that it ‘joins others concerned for his safety and we are working with local law enforcement who have begun a search. 

‘We have been in contact with Kenneth’s family and university and we are hoping for his swift and safe return.’

:

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk