Missing American Student Studying Abroad In France Found Safe In Spain

Kenny DeLand Jr., an American college student, was reported missing in France on Nov. 29, 2022. He is in his senior year at St. John Fisher University in Rochester, New York, and he has spent this semester studying abroad at the University of Grenoble Alpes in Grenoble, France.

Grenoble prosecutor Eric Vaillant said that officials started an investigation when fellow students reported DeLand missing. CNN reported that Vaillant claimed that DeLand “seems to have left Grenoble voluntarily.” He also explained, "The young man reportedly told several people that he had arrived in France underprepared and was having difficulty making friends."

Kenneth DeLand, the student’s father, disagrees. He told CNN, “I just challenge that French prosecutor – he doesn’t know our son.” He said that the prosecutor was “making statements based on a person he does not know.”

According to the Find Ken DeLand website his family made to help find him, before his disappearance, DeLand last spoke to his family on Nov. 27. His friends reported him missing on Nov 29, and his phone last pinged on Nov. 30.

The family’s website to DeLand detailed his known actions on Nov. 29, explaining, “Ken had breakfast, made a sandwich, and packed it with a change of clothing, his wallet, and his cell phone. Ken left all his belongings at his host family's home, including his computer, tablet, train pass, and phone charger. Ken had a conversation with his neighbor outside the host's house, which was said to have been positive. The neighbor said Ken seemed in bright spirits and excited for the day.”

Prior to Nov. 27, DeLand, Jr. was in contact with his parents at least every other day, and it was often every single day. His father told CNN that the lack of communication was not characteristic for Kenny.

His family also stated on the website that, although DeLand struggled to fit in and make friends in France initially, he ended up making “great connections” and stayed positive. He did have friends in France, and they were the ones who initially reported him missing to the school.

DeLand was learning French abroad through the American Institute for Foreign Study program. AIFS told ABC News, "AIFS joins others concerned for his safety and we are working with local law enforcement who have begun a search. We have been in contact with Kenneth's family and university and we are hoping for his swift and safe return.”

“We learned that he told friends in the United States and France that he wished to travel to Marseille before coming home,” they explained, but that still did not explain the disappearance.

The police were able to track his purchases with the cooperation of his bank, and the statements showed that the student apparently bought something at a sports store in Montélimar, France, at 9 a.m. on Dec. 3 for $8.40. He was spotted in the store, too.

Valiant stated that DeLand was planning to leave France on Dec. 15. DeLand’s international studies was scheduled to officially end on Dec. 17, and his VISA is set to expire on Jan. 20, 2023.

Happily, this story has a joyous ending. On Friday, Dec. 16, Ken Deland, Jr.’s family announced that he has been found safe in Spain. His mother then went to France to see him and bring him home for the holidays.

DeLand reached out to his family when he saw himself in the news, so his family thanked news outlets for their help in locating him. The details of his disappearance are not yet known.