Ecuador - August Reiger, 18, US student, Banos, 16 June 2013

[Schmaley]

I am still praying for a safe return.

 

[Yoda]

Two possible sightings.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...-Ecuador-two-sightings-family-hope-alive.html

 

[OldSteve]

Two possible sightings.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...-Ecuador-two-sightings-family-hope-alive.html

Sightings in missing persons' cases are always tricky IMO, and in the many cases I've followed, none have panned out.
Matching a resemblance based upon seeing a photo(s) and then later seeing someone - I know I couldn't do it. Would have to have the photo with me, and even then not sure...
What is needed is to find something unique about the person such as a tat, moles, scars, etc..
August does not seem to have any that stand out.

 

[FigTree]

Sightings in missing persons' cases are always tricky IMO, and in the many cases I've followed, none have panned out.
Matching a resemblance based upon seeing a photo(s) and then later seeing someone - I know I couldn't do it. Would have to have the photo with me, and even then not sure...
What is needed is to find something unique about the person such as a tat, moles, scars, etc..
August does not seem to have any that stand out.

If August was taken he might look very different now that he did in the last sighting. Short hair - loss of weight. The only thing which wouldn't change might be his voice.
I would find it difficult to recognize someone too.

Hoping that there is news soon and the search is still in progress in some manner.
Prayers for August and his family.

.

 

[JerseyGirl]

"Recently, we have had a couple of what authorities consider credible sightings," said Cristi Reiger, August Reiger’s aunt.

Officials are keeping those sighting locations secret out of fear captors may be following news. The Banos province where August went missing is known for its safety, but the state department labels surrounding areas as high crime, where kidnappings are known to happen.

Read more: http://www.koco.com/news/credible-sightings-give-family-of-missing-teen-hope/25927280#ixzz31VpdZBZz

 

[JerseyGirl]

Authorities in Ecuador told Reiger's family that they believe that the teenager was kidnapped, and Interpol has been distributing photos of him throughout Latin America.

http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/loca...cle_f8b9e16c-d846-11e3-9d72-001a4bcf6878.html

 

[Sunshine95]

I think he may stand out to people, especially in more rural, less touristy areas. He looks very different than the locals in stature, skin tone, etc... I once visited a place far in the mountains in the Caribbean and met people who had never seen an American before... And I expect they would remember me if asked or shown a photo! Here's to hoping for your safe return!

 

[JerseyGirl]

https://www.facebook.com/bringaugusthome

 

[Snoopster]

Authorities in Ecuador told Reiger's family that they believe that the teenager was kidnapped, and Interpol has been distributing photos of him throughout Latin America.

http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/loca...cle_f8b9e16c-d846-11e3-9d72-001a4bcf6878.html

I can't figure out what purpose a kidnapping would serve unless it was for money. If the family hasn't been approached by now, then I find the kidnapping scenario far fetched after all of this time.

 

[lucky181]

Bumping for August. He will be missing for one year on the 16th. Where are you????

 

[FigTree]

I can't figure out what purpose a kidnapping would serve unless it was for money. If the family hasn't been approached by now, then I find the kidnapping scenario far fetched after all of this time.

Possibly he has been kidnapped - but maybe August is more valuable to the kidnappers than a ransom at this time. I am hoping that nothing has happened to him and that he is still healthy and surviving.
Has a reward been posted?
Maybe instead of a ransom, the kidnappers are waiting for a reward to be posted.

Still thinking of you August.
A year is such a long time to be away from your family.

 

[lucky181]

Has a reward been posted?
Maybe instead of a ransom, the kidnappers are waiting for a reward to be posted.

President Barack Obama officially declared Reiger a 'missing patriot', and the Ecuadoran government is offering a reward for Reiger's safe return.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...-Ecuador-two-sightings-family-hope-alive.html
There has never been any mention of a dollar amount for the reward. I wish I believed August is still alive, but I can't help but feel that he fell off the mountain.

 

[OldSteve]

Appears he was declared a missing patriot last year, week or so after he went missing:

More than a week after disappearing in Ecuador, a missing Classen School of Advanced Studies valedictorian has been declared a "missing patriot" by President Barack Obama.

http://www.okcfox.com/story/22671394/pres-obama-missing-oklahoma-valedictorian-a-missing-patriot

Confused a bit by that because it seemed to happen very quickly... would think anything involving government would take more time, but certainly glad about it. I wonder, though, if more is known secretly by government than is or can be openly reported..

 

[danzn16]

One year today. Prayers for the family


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[OldSteve]

One of the strangest disappearing cases I've see - that he could be gone without a trace in just a few minutes! Scary to think how vulnerable one can be on a vacation of that kind.

 

[lucky181]

A statement from August's parents on this very difficult anniversary

Three hundred and sixty five days ago, we were thrown into the grip of the unknown.
Knowing that there are so many people behind us, so many people also thinking about August, and praying for his safety has been a great comfort to us during this extremely difficult time.
We want to thank each one of you; friends, family, neighbors, acquaintances and colleagues for the many different ways you have supported us. We very much appreciate all your prayers, good wishes, and the space that you have granted us.

On this day, we will honor August by observing silence. If you would like to join us, you can take a few minutes wherever you are and sit in silence. Thank you for your continued love and support.

Randa and Chris

https://www.facebook.com/bringaugusthome

 

[Elainera]

Beautiful statement.

 

[Cherry_Sugar]

A very strange case.( I found the case looking up things for another case.)

 

[Dallen]

Bumping for August

 

[OldSteve]

A very strange case.( I found the case looking up things for another case.)

This goes down in my book of cases as the one in which a person vanishes into thin air the fastest!
His family was only minutes behind him when he disappeared, and his bother actually got to the scenic lookout ledge before the rest of family but didn't pass or see his bother...

It would be interesting to know in the days/weeks before how many Americans and other tourists traveled that path. Also, an perhaps more interesting, if any women traveled it. I would think if this were an abduction, the more frequented that path, the greater the chance there would have been other attempts.