Ken “Kenny” DeLand, an American college student studying abroad in France, has been missing for more than two weeks. His parents, who are based in upstate New York, have launched a media blitz to appeal for information that could lead to his return in time for Christmas and provide tips through findkendeland.com.
A French prosecutor joined the case, and the US State Department and the US Embassy in Paris said they were assisting local authorities in locating the 22-year-old, who had not attended classes at Grenoble Alpes University since November 28. DeLand attended St. John Fisher University in Rochester, was an Eagle Scout and took French classes in middle and high school, but was not fluent in the language.
She previously interned in the New York State Senator’s office and dreams of becoming a lawyer.
His parents said it was out of character for him not to contact the house. They say local, national and international governments – including universities and AIFS Abroad – are reluctant to share personal information about Kenny’s whereabouts, even with his own family, because he is an adult.
KEN DELAND’S DISAPPEARANCE IN FRANCE LEADS TO EUROPE’S ‘CONCENTRATED’ TRAVEL ZONE
This map shows Ken DeLand’s last known travels after leaving Grenoble Alpes University. He is believed to have taken a train to Valence, France, where his phone rang for the last time on November 30. He was last seen on December 3 at a sporting goods store in Montelimar, France, but his whereabouts since then remain unknown.
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Here’s a timeline of the events leading up to her disappearance and what’s known so far.
Ken DeLand smiles in an overseas photo.
(findkendeland.com)
October 28 – Kenny shared a photo of Nikola Tesla Airport on Facebook, saying he had stopped in Serbia earlier that day.
His father, also Ken DeLand, said his son had been traveling around Europe as part of a routine study abroad trip to visit Italy during a break from Grenoble Alpes University.
Ken Deland was spotted smiling in a photo while studying abroad in Europe.
(findkendeland.com)
Kenny shared photos from Rome, Naples and Florence on social media.
Ken DeLand shared photos from his time abroad.
(findkendeland.com)
November 18 – Kenny shared a rainbow selfie atop the Eiffel Tower in Paris on Facebook. Her Facebook page also shows photos of her other travels around France, as well as her cooking class abroad.
November 27 – Kenny last spoke to his father, Ken DeLand, and his mother, Carol Laws, via WhatsApp. The family believes he also spoke to a French host family in Grenoble that day.
Overview of Grenoble University Library, France, December 13, 2022.
(For Julien Reynaud/Abaca Press)
November 28 – Kenny attended classes at Grenoble Alpes University. Those who saw her said she seemed “normal and happy,” according to the family’s website. He also spoke with his host family that day.
General view of Grenoble train station, Grenoble, France, December 13, 2022.
(For Julien Reynaud/Abaca Press)
November 29 – University officials filed a missing persons report with French authorities and notified Kenny’s parents of his disappearance. Kenny did not attend classes and was not seen by his friends or French host family.
“At first, Ken struggled to adjust to a foreign country and make friends,” the family’s website says. “However, he has continued to be positive and has made great connections. It’s important to note that Ken has friends in France who initially reported him missing to the school and are offering support and information about Ken. continued to check for updates. We all have the same mission: to want Ken to return safely.”
An overview of the arrivals and departures screen at Grenoble train station in Grenoble, France on December 13, 2022.
(For Julien Reynaud/Abaca Press)
The DeLand family later learned that Kenny had eaten breakfast, made a sandwich and put it in a small bag with his clothes, wallet and cell phone. Ken left all his belongings, including his computer, tablet, train ticket and phone charger, at his host family’s house. He also spoke to his neighbor before leaving.
“Ken spoke with a neighbor outside the homeowner’s home, which was said to be positive. The neighbor said Ken seemed in good spirits and excited for the day,” the family’s website said. “We’re not sure whether or not the neighbor was notified of Ken’s planned trip.”
General view of Grenoble train station, Grenoble, France, December 13, 2022.
(For Julien Reynaud/Abaca Press)
A national police report from the French Interior Ministry, obtained and translated by Fox News, identifies “clearly disturbing facts” that are considered “obligatory for a proper investigation.” The Nov. 29 report described DeLand as an American student who “doesn’t speak French very well.”
It also states that DeLand, who is described as having short blonde hair, blue eyes, a light blonde and a blonde beard and mustache, is “fragile” and “probably depressed.” .
Ken DeLand walks into a store on Dec. 3 in Montelimar, France.
(findkendeland.com)
November 30 – Kenny’s phone rang for the last time at Valence train station at 19:00 CEST. It is about two and a half hours by train from Grenoble. There is no activity on his phone since that day.
Ken DeLand’s family takes a selfie.
(Facebook / Ken DeLand)
December 3 — According to bank statements, Kenny made a $8.40 purchase at Decathlon Sporting Goods in Montelimar, France at 14:45 CEST. Surveillance video also showed Kenny entering the store at that time. She is wearing a red jacket, scarf, gray skirt, blue jeans/hat and sneakers and a black backpack. He is about 6 feet tall and weighs about 190 pounds.
Ken DeLand, an American college student who went missing in France, is seen in a family Christmas photo.
(DeLand Family)
Kenny’s study abroad program ends on December 17, and his visa expires on January 20, 2023. He reportedly told friends in the US and France that he wanted to travel to Marseille before returning home.
Ken DeLand and an American college student who went missing in France are pictured standing in front of a Christmas tree with his mother and brother.
(DeLand Family)
According to the family’s website, if he tries to leave France by train, his passport will be pinged.
However, DeLand’s father told the family that Kenny may have left France undetected – possibly through the “cancelled” border Schengen zone, which does not require travelers to present identification. However, it is not known whether Kenny went this route or not.