American college student goes missing while studying abroad in France

(Gray News) - Kenny Deland Jr., a senior at St. John Fisher University, disappeared while studying abroad in France.

His family said they last heard from him on Nov. 27 via Whatsapp, but say he attended his classes and spoke with his host family and friends the following day.

Deland was reported missing after not showing up for his classes on Nov. 29.

His phone last pinged on Nov. 30 at the Valence train station.

Deland’s family says before leaving he packed a small bag with a change of clothes, his cell phone, his wallet and a sandwich, but all his other belongings were left at his host family’s home. He also spoke to a neighbor before leaving.

According to bank statements, Deland made a small purchase at a sporting goods store in Montelimar, France, about 50 miles from Valence, France, on Dec. 3. He was also seen on surveillance camera entering the store. This is the last known sighting of Deland.

Deland is a white male with blond hair. He is 6 feet tall and 190 pounds. He was last seen wearing a red jacket, scarf, gray beanie, blue jeans or slacks, a black backpack and sneakers.

Deland is on the French missing-persons list, and if he leaves the country by train, his passport will ping, but there are other ways to travel without using a passport.

His international studies are finished on Saturday, and his visa expires on Jan. 20, 2023.

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