In a heartwarming turn of events, Matthew Grant, a 22-year-old student from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in New York, who had gone missing just before Thanksgiving, has been found safe in Pennsylvania. Grant’s disappearance had caused great concern among his family and friends, as he had vanished without his phone or wallet.
Expressing his gratitude, Grant released a statement through his family, thanking everyone who had assisted in the search efforts. He stated, “I feel incredibly grateful to have people like you all in my corner,” and emphasized the importance of the support he received during this difficult time. Grant also mentioned his intention to personally thank each person involved once he has access to his phone.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office in New York confirmed that Grant had been located and reunited with his family. They commended the efforts of their deputies and investigators, as well as the collaboration with multiple agencies and the media, in locating Grant. The involvement of the media was particularly acknowledged for spreading awareness and aiding in the reunion.
The search for Grant led authorities to Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania, where his vehicle was located. A grid search near Mount Minsi, accessible from the Appalachian Trail, was initiated. During this search, Grant became aware that authorities were looking for him and promptly went to a police station in Palmerton, nearly 300 miles southeast of Rochester, to inform his mother of his safety.
The National Park Service, including US Park Rangers and staff from Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, played a crucial role in the search efforts. NPS rangers facilitated the reunion of Grant and his family after he walked into a police station and expressed his belief that people were searching for him.
Sandra Johnson, RIT’s senior vice president of student affairs, expressed her gratitude to the RIT community for their unwavering support in locating Grant. She acknowledged the collective effort made by the campus to aid in the search.
When Grant initially went missing, his family suspected he may have headed to the Adirondack Mountains based on his phone search history. It is reported that he had informed his roommates about meeting up with friends before disappearing from Rochester.
The safe return of Matthew Grant brings relief to his loved ones and the RIT community, who had rallied together to find him. The support and collaboration between law enforcement, multiple agencies, and the media played a crucial role in reuniting Grant with his family.
