A Corban College student, whose disappearance for several days prompted an area-wide search, was found safe on Sunday.
Luke Atkinson, 21, had last been seen by his roommate at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12, in their room, where he had reportedly been suffering from flu-like symptoms.
Later that day, he apparently cleaned up his dorm room in Salem and left without his phone or any note as to his intentions. Friends and family members did not beome aware that he was missing until the weekend, when Atkinson, a member of the cross-country team, didn’t show up for practice Friday, or for a meet on Saturday.
His disappearance instigated a statewide search, with news coverage from major networks. Family members posted “missing” posters throughout Sweet Home on Saturday, a relative, Charlie Grove, said.
Grove said Atkinson was found Sunday afternoon by family in Lebanon, unaware that people were looking for him. He was back in classes at Corban University on Tuesday.
Atkinson, whose parents live in Guam and whose sister competed in track and field for Guam in the 2012 London Olympics, is the great-grandson of longtime Sweet Home resident, and former pastor of Elm Street Baptist Church, Ray Atkinson and has family throughout the area.
“The family would like to express thanks to the many from the Sweet Home and Lebanon area that helped in the search, and many others that were praying,” Grove said.
“A special thanks is extended to the local businesses. Of the 50-60 that we asked to post “missing” posters, not a single business said no. By the way, thanks to those businesses that were closed – we took liberty with your window space as well.
“We are thankful to God for the best possible outcome. If we missed removing any posters, please take the liberty. Luke was found and is doing fine.”