The American college student who disappeared in France while studying abroad is a member of Turning Point USA, a conservative organization on many college campuses.
Ken DeLand Jr. is a senior at St. John Fisher University in Rochester, New York, who went missing while studying French at the University of Grenoble Alpes. He contacted his parents on November 27 via WhatsApp, but has not been heard from since. The student boarded a train bound for Valence, France, on November 27, according to his family.
“Pray for Ken,” read an Instagram post from TPUSA students. “Help us find our chapter president, Ken DeLand… his family last heard from Ken on November 27, 2022 when he left his host family residence and boarded a train to Valence, France.”
In a statement to Fox News Digital, a TPUSA spokesperson said DeLand was president of the St. John Fisher University chapter and attended several conferences with the group.
KEN DELAND: MISSING AMERICAN COLLEGE STUDENT IN FRANCE HAD TROUBLE MAKING FRIENDS, MAY HAVE LEFT VOLUNTARILY
“The organization is extremely concerned for the well-being of Ken DeLand. The entire Turning Point USA family and community are praying for his safety and we are actively trying to get the word out in the hope that someone who knows where he is will see our messages and our posts and help Ken’s family locate him as soon as possible,” a TPUSA spokesperson said.
Grenoble prosecutor Eric Vaillant previously told Fox News Digital that DeLand appears to have left the city on his own.
Ken DeLand seen abroad.
(findkendeland.com)
Vaillant said DeLand “told a number of people that he came to France underprepared and had a hard time making friends.”
Police obtained a copy of DeLand’s recent purchases and discovered that he used a bank card to make a purchase in the town of Montelimar on December 3 at 9 a.m.
KEN DELAND MISSING: AMERICAN COLLEGE STUDENT MISSING IN FRANCE WHILE STUDYING ABROAD
Sign of the city of Valence in Montelimar, France, on December 14, 2022.
(Julien Reynaud/Abaca for Fox News Digital)
DeLand was “last seen wearing a red jacket, scarf, gray beanie, blue jeans, black backpack and sneakers,” according to a website set up by his family.
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Ken DeLand walking into a store
(findkendeland.com)
“We fear the worst and we want it to be located; please share this information,” the website says.
