A French police report describes missing American college student Ken DeLand as being in a “fragile frame of mind” and possibly “depressed” as the search for the 22-year-old studying abroad spans more than two weeks.
A national police report from the French Ministry of the Interior, obtained and translated by Fox News, sets out the “specific disturbing facts” considered “mandatory for a proper investigation.” The report, dated Nov. 29, describes DeLand as an American student who “doesn’t speak French well.”
He also points to DeLand, described as having short blond hair, blue eyes, and a light beige and blond beard and mustache, as having a “fragile frame of mind” and “may be depressed.”
In a statement obtained by Fox News Digital on Monday, Grenoble prosecutor Eric Vaillant said DeLand “arrived in France unprepared and had difficulty making friends.”
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Ken DeLand studying abroad.
(findkendeland.com)
He also said that DeLand “appears to have left Grenoble voluntarily.”
DeLand’s father, also named Ken DeLand, speaking to Fox News Digital, complained that Vaillant appeared to have access to testimony and more information than his own family, which has drawn criticism from institutions reluctant to reveal details about the 22-year-old DeLand. . without the adult student first waiving his or her privacy rights.
Ken DeLand, a missing American college student in France, seen in his Eagle Scout uniform with his mother, Carol Laws.
(The DeLand family)
DeLand, currently enrolled at St. John Fisher University in Rochester, NY, took about five or six years of French courses in middle and high school and was an Eagle Scout in Clifton Springs, NY
Ken DeLand smiles in the photo while studying abroad.
(findkendeland.com)
Jim Conners, committee chairman for Boy Scout Troop 59, said he was very involved with Kenny throughout his scouting career from the ages of 10 to 18. For his Eagle Scout Project, DeLand arranged for veterans’ banners to be hung throughout town, coordinating with families to provide photos, welders to make the banner stands and printing services to prepare the banners for Veterans Day, Conners said. .
Grenoble University Station in Grenoble, France, on December 13, 2022.
(Julien Reynaud/Abaca Press for Fox News Digital)
When asked by the French prosecutor that DeLand had trouble making friends, Conners dismissed the idea.
“He’s very outgoing, very outgoing. You know, from what you know, that’s definitely uncharacteristic as far as not being able to make friends,” Conners told DeLand’s Fox News Digital. “I remember wherever we were, he could find someone to talk to, and I’m sure he got it from his father. Because his father can talk to anyone and hold a conversation. It doesn’t matter who it is.”
General view of the University of Grenoble in Grenoble, France, on December 13, 2022.
(Julien Reynaud/Abaca Press for Fox News Digital)
DeLand, who graduated from Midlakes High School, also interned for Republican New York State Senator Pam Helming from 2019 to 2020. Helming said he met DeLand as a senior in high school and gave her a proclamation at his Eagle Scout ceremony.
KEN DELAND, AMERICAN COLLEGE STUDENT MISSING IN FRANCE, INTERNED FOR NEW YORK SENATOR: ‘A POSITIVE ENERGY’
Fox News Digital first reported that DeLand’s father said he received tips through the family’s website, findkendeland.com, theorizing that his son may have already left France undetected through the zone. Schengen, an area “where 26 European countries have abolished their internal borders” and travelers can pass without presenting passports or other forms of identification.
Ken DeLand, a missing American college student in France, is pictured with his mother and younger brother standing in front of a Christmas tree.
(The DeLand family)
But the father noted that DeLand has already traveled to Italy during a break from the University of Grenoble Alpes, then returned to France as expected to continue his study abroad program.
The family said they last heard from DeLand on November 27 via WhatsApp. He went to class on November 28, where those who saw him said he seemed “normal and happy,” according to the family’s website.
Ken DeLand, a missing American college student in France, is pictured after graduating from high school with his mother, Carol Laws, and younger brother.
(The DeLand family)
DeLand was reported missing on November 29 after failing to report to class or being seen by friends or his host family. According to his reports, he left all of his belongings at his host family’s home, including his computer, tablet, rail pass and phone charger. His phone last pinged at the Valence train station on November 30.
Ken DeLand walking into a store on December 3.
(findkendeland.com)
Bank records show that he made a purchase on December 3 at the Decathlon Sporting Goods store in Montelimar, France, for just $8.40. Surveillance video also showed the 6-foot, 190-pound DeLand entering the store wearing a red jacket, scarf, gray beanie, blue jeans and sneakers as he carried a black backpack. His study abroad program will end on December 17 and his visa expires on January 20.
Ken DeLand, a missing American college student in France, appears in a family Christmas photo.
(The DeLand family)
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“We are aware of reports of a missing American citizen in France,” the US embassy in Paris said in a statement to Fox News. “When a US citizen goes missing, we work closely with local authorities as they carry out their search efforts, and we share information with families whenever we can.”
“The Department of State has no higher priority than the welfare and safety of American citizens abroad,” he added. “We stand ready to provide appropriate assistance to US citizens in need and to their families.”
Fox News’ Maria Paronich, Landon Mion and Cicely Medintzeff contributed to this report.
