Missing Upstate New York Student Found Safe in Northeastern PA

It’s a real Christmas miracle for one family after their son, an Upstate New York college student, was found safe after being missing for nearly a month.

Get our free mobile app

According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Matthew Grant, a 22-year-old student from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), who had been missing since November 20th, was located safe and sound in northeastern Pennsylvania and has been reunited with his family.

The college student walked into a police station in Palmerton, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, December 13, around 4 p.m. local time, to request he be allowed to make a phone call to his family after realizing that he might be the subject of a missing person report.

On Tuesday, December 12, Grant's Jeep Cherokee was discovered by hikers near the Appalachian Trail in a parking lot near the Delaware Water Gap. The discovery of his vehicle prompted a search-and-rescue effort in the area, which involved approximately 30 firefighters due to its rugged terrain and cliffs.

Grant's parents, who live in Michigan, had been informed about the recovery of their son's vehicle and were traveling to Pennsylvania at the time he turned himself in to authorities.

It was reported by WHEC-TV that Grant stated he had a "negative" encounter with someone during his hike, which led him to terminate his journey. He proceeded to meet with the U.S. Park Service Police at the Delaware Water Gap and was later reunited with his mother.

Following his safe return, Grant expressed gratitude to everyone who participated in the search efforts. In a statement posted on Facebook by his family, Grant acknowledged the support he received and stated that he was "doing much better now" that he was reunited with his family. He conveyed his intention to individually thank every person involved as soon as he regained access to his phone.

RIT also issued a statement commending the campus community's unwavering care and assistance throughout the ordeal. Sandra Johnson, RIT's Senior Vice President of Student Affairs, expressed gratitude to the university community for their support in locating Matthew Grant, who is also the co-captain of RIT's wrestling team.

The circumstances leading up to Grant's disappearance and the details of his time spent missing have not been disclosed publicly. The focus now remains on Grant's well-being and providing him and his family with any necessary support.