A 19-year-old University of Georgia student who went missing for more than 24 hours after going for a run near the Chattahoochee River returned home safe early Wednesday.
Byron Grogan came home on his own about 2 a.m., according to the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office. His family alerted authorities Monday night, after Grogan left to jog at Chattahoochee Pointe Park about 9 p.m. and they did not hear from him again.
Credit: Forsyth County Sheriff's Office
Credit: Forsyth County Sheriff's Office
Grogan's parents said he had gone on nighttime runs before, but he always returned home within a few hours, Channel 2 Action News reported. When they went looking for him, they found his car with his key fob, cellphone and wallet abandoned near the river.
His family released a statement through the sheriff’s office, saying they “thank God that our son is alive and well.”
“Byron became lost and disoriented while attempting to run home through the forest from the outer boundary of the park, after believing the park’s driveway gates would be closed before he finished his run,” the Grogan family said in the statement. “We are so happy to have him home.”
According to his former cross-country coach at Lambert High School in Forsyth County, Grogan slept most of the next day before continuing to make his way home.
On Tuesday, search teams from several city, county and state agencies combed the park for any sign of Grogan. More than 100 volunteers and the U.S. Park Service also joined in the effort.
MORE: Search underway for missing teen who went for run near Chattahoochee
The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, which was leading the search, called off volunteers Tuesday night with plans to start fresh Wednesday morning.
“We sincerely appreciate the incredible support from our family, friends, law enforcement, volunteers and entire community throughout this time,” the Grogan family said. “The support has been truly overwhelming. We’d especially like to thank the law enforcement and fire/rescue agencies who worked tirelessly to find our son.”
In a statement to AJC.com, UGA spokesman Greg Trevor said Grogan is a student in the College of Engineering pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer systems engineering. He is scheduled to graduate in 2020.
About the Author
