Search Continues for Upstate New York Student Who Disappeared Over Two Weeks Ago
The search for a missing college student from Upstate New York is now nearing its third week, as family and authorities continue to tirelessly seek leads and information.
Matthew Grant, a 22-year-old student at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), was last seen on the evening of November 20th, leaving his off-campus residence in Henrietta, according to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.
Authorities shared surveillance footage with local news outlets, capturing Grant at a gas station located between Exits 39 and 41 near Syracuse and Waterloo on the same night he disappeared. Reports from WHAM-TV and WROC-TV confirm Matthew's presence in his dark charcoal gray 2014 Jeep Cherokee with Michigan license plate number ESR8141.
Despite Matthew being alone and believed to be out of immediate danger, his family is growing increasingly worried about his well-being. Mark Grant, Matthew's father, described the past two weeks as "the most excruciating" time of his life in an interview with WHEC-TV. However, he remains determined and optimistic, saying, "I'm as broken as a person can be, but I refuse to quit," as reported by WROC-TV.
According to roommates, Matthew had mentioned going out to meet a friend before leaving his off-campus residence. The investigation revealed that Matthew's EZ-Pass toll records indicate he had exited the New York State Thruway at exit 36. Unfortunately, authorities have been unable to locate further surveillance footage to determine his direction from there, reports WHEC-TV.
Matthew's family members, traveling from Michigan, have joined the search efforts in New York. The search for Matthew has expanded to both the Syracuse and Adirondack regions of the state. Ryon Grant, Matthew's cousin, expressed frustration and concern about the ongoing search in an interview with WROC-TV. He said, "We're a big family. We're a close family. So, we're holding it together the best we can."
Matthew Grant is described as a 22-year-old, approximately 6 feet tall, with a slim build and brown hair. He was last seen wearing a dark-colored hoodie and jeans. Pictures of Matthew and his vehicle have been shared on various online platforms to aid in the search.
Friends, family, and community members are urged to come forward with any information that could help locate Matthew. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Matthew Grant should immediately call 911.
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