University of Kentucky student, 19, studying abroad in Israel, vanishes while on a swim with friends

University of Kentucky student, TeNiya Nora Jones, (pictured on Facebook) vanished late Saturday while on a swim in Tel Aviv, Israel

A 19-year-old University of Kentucky student went missing on the western border of Israel late Saturday, just days before her summer abroad program was set to end.

TeNiya Nora Jones and two fellow students ventured out for a swim in the Mediterranean shortly after midnight, when severe rip currents overcame the group.

The two friends were safely pulled back to the shore, but Jones has not been seen since, according to a press release.

Tel Aviv officials are continuing the massive search for Florida-born sophomore, who majors in biology and Islamic studies.

University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto said in the press release Jones had been apart of the group of seven students at the university and two from West Virginia University who traveled by bus from Amman, Jordan to Tel Aviv for the weekend.

Just hours before her disappearance, Jones shared several bikini-clad photos of herself posing on a Tel Aviv beach (seen above)

She captioned the photos: 'just traveling whilst looking beautiful as usual'

Just hours before her disappearance, Jones shared several bikini-clad photos of herself posing on a Tel Aviv beach (seen above)

Jones had been apart of the group of seven students at the university and two from West Virginia University who traveled by bus from Amman, Jordan to Tel Aviv for the weekend during their summer abroad study program

Jones had been apart of the group of seven students at the university and two from West Virginia University who traveled by bus from Amman, Jordan to Tel Aviv for the weekend during their summer abroad study program

Jones posted photos from a Tel Aviv beach over the weekend to her Facebook page

Jones posted photos from a Tel Aviv beach over the weekend to her Facebook page

Tel Aviv officials are continuing the massive search for Florida-born college sophomore

Tel Aviv officials are continuing the massive search for Florida-born college sophomore

Capilouto said university officials with the travel abroad program are working to immediately transport Jones’ family to Tel Aviv.

University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto (pictured) said university officials are doing 'everything possible to provide whatever support is needed' to Jones' family

University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto (pictured) said university officials are doing ‘everything possible to provide whatever support is needed’ to Jones’ family

‘Our thoughts and prayers are with TeNiya, her family and the students and others impacted,’ Capilouto said in the statement.

‘We are in continual contact with Teniya’s family, officials in Israel, officials from the State Department and our Congressional delegation, to provide all the support we can for the family, students and others involved. 

‘We will do everything possible to provide whatever support is needed.’

Capilouto added that the university is sending the remainder of students back to Amman before the program concludes this week.

He said family members to the students have each been notified about the incident. 

The full press release by President Capilouto is seen above

The full press release by President Capilouto is seen above

Just hours before her disappearance, Jones shared several bikini-clad photos of herself posing on a Tel Aviv beach.

She captioned the photos: ‘just traveling whilst looking beautiful as usual.’ Her Facebook friends followed up in the comments with condolence messages, praying for her safe return.

Last Sunday, Jones posted a status revealing she was feeling homesick in Amman.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. 

Capilouto said university travel abroad officials are working to immediately transport Jones' family to Tel Aviv. Jones is pictured above with her mother, Tosha Thomas-Mora

Capilouto said university travel abroad officials are working to immediately transport Jones’ family to Tel Aviv. Jones is pictured above with her mother, Tosha Thomas-Mora

Last Sunday, Jones posted a status saying she had been feeling homesick in Amman

Last Sunday, Jones posted a status saying she had been feeling homesick in Amman



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