Found Safe NJ - Thomas Kolding, 15, Mountain Lakes, 30 Oct 2018

[justwannahelp]

Anyone else read this story and thought of the young man who disappeared and was later found dead in the Alaska wilderness as chronicled in “Into the Wild”? My now 16 year old son and I read it together when he was 13 or 14 (because I think it is extremely disturbing and didn’t want him to read it alone). Then I subsequently read the sister’s book about what had happened in their house growing up that caused him to want to disappear “into the wild” after college. Would be curious to know whether Thomas had read this story and was somehow inspired by it. Or whether there were similar things going on at home to cause him to want to leave, more than simple pressure to succeed. (I also have a freshman in honors math and science and I can’t imagine a “bad” grade causing her to want to run away or me noting her course selections in a press release!). I hope he is safe. $1K really doesn’t go that far these days...

It’s funby you mention into the Wild. I JUST read an article to my husband about Thomas and afterwards I said, “It’s so weird. And the vocabulary of the dad is weird. Not that it means anything.” My husband said he’s probably crazy smart and their minds choose different words and think totally differently. Then I asked what do you think this kid has in mind?! It’s just nuts. He said, “It’s like that kid from Into the Wild.”

Anyway, what went on in the home of the Into the Wild kid’s home? Mods, I’m not saying anything bad went on in the home of Thomas. I’m just curious because I watched the movie. I understand of course if you delete as it’s not really relevant to this case.

 

[justwannahelp]

There is something else going on here, I can almost guarantee.

It feels sketchy to me too but I have no clue WHAT the sketchiness is. I rarely tell my husband about cases I follow here, but I ran this one by him because it feels so unlike the other cases I’ve ever followed and I wanted his take on it.

 

[justwannahelp]

I ended up sendin a tip because of a post above saying “he could be anywhere”

I’m on the other side of the country from the west coast, where the parents think Thomas may have gone. But it’s been nagging at me so I figured “better safe than sorry” and sent in a “tip”


Today around 415pm on my way home after picking 2 of my children up from school then my oldest son up from football practice, I noticed a teen (possibly a preteen) in the passenger side of a Budweiser delivery truck exiting the Interstate


I thought it was odd to see a kid in the passenger seat of a delivery truck. So that’s why it caught my eye. I wasn’t even thinking about anyone missing. I just thought “that’s odd.” So I told my kids, “Look at that kid in the passenger seat. Why does he have his face in his arm like that? Why is he in a big delivery truck, anyway?” My son said, “The driver is probably his dad.” I said, “Beer Delivery truck drivers wouldn’t bring their kids with them.” I then asked, “Why is he sitting straight up but hiding his face?” I kept looking thinking surely he’d show his face, but he never did. My 10 year old said “He must be sleeping.” I thought it was odd to sleep sitting straight up like that but his hair was smashed up against his window, so maybe he was leaning into the window enough to sleep?? His face was in the crux of his arm.

 

[SD123Me]

Not liking doo much here.

 

[SD123Me]

A news story indicated earlier that Thomas had flown home from overseas by himself previously. Thomas mustn’t have been on that short of a leash to be trusted to travel alone. Dad has been “walking on eggshells”? IMO, I hear Dad blaming Thomas for his behavior, a child. If Thomas was ODD, or just “difficult” in general, was professional help sought? Or could Dad handle it himself, in all of his wisdom. I don’t see him taking malarkey from anyone and now he has spin doctors.

 

[Gardener1850]

Father of missing New Jersey teen speaks out

Nicolai Kolding worrying about the words that he used while arguing with his son

I noticed in that video he mentions Thomas has been to the aquarium and the university in Camden before. Looking at those locations in relation to where he was seen on video: Google Maps

It actually makes sense to me now that he chose to go to Camden. It is a place he is familiar with-- even if he wasn't planning to go to the aquarium or the university he would feel comfortable walking around that area because he had been there before. He might have remembered where stores and favorite restaurants were located from previous trips. He might not have had a clear plan for where he wants to go, but maybe he knew about the bridge into Philly. Maybe he thought it would not be as obvious of a choice if he got a bus or train from there. Or maybe there is some place in Philadelphia he always wanted to go. Perhaps he is taking this opportunity to go there. I wonder who he might know from Rutgers. Someone who might have given him a place to stay? Why did he visit there before-- some academic event or classes with other gifted high school students? Early tour of a possible college choice? It would be interesting to know where else in the US Thomas has visited previously or may have expressed an interest in going-- had he made out his list of "dream colleges" yet? He might not be thinking of visiting the universities but if he was in contact with anyone from those universities he might go to those towns. Just brainstorming...

 

[bears10]

A news story indicated earlier that Thomas had flown home from overseas by himself previously. Thomas mustn’t have been on that short of a leash to be trusted to travel alone. Dad has been “walking on eggshells”? IMO, I hear Dad blaming Thomas for his behavior, a child. If Thomas was ODD, or just “difficult” in general, was professional help sought? Or could Dad handle it himself, in all of his wisdom. I don’t see him taking malarkey from anyone and now he has spin doctors.

I am sure in the situation where he flew alone, either his parents or other family members dropped him off at the airport (and probably went in with him) and picked him up from the airport.

 

[bears10]

I noticed in that video he mentions Thomas has been to the aquarium and the university in Camden before. Looking at those locations in relation to where he was seen on video: Google Maps

It actually makes sense to me now that he chose to go to Camden. It is a place he is familiar with-- even if he wasn't planning to go to the aquarium or the university he would feel comfortable walking around that area because he had been there before. He might have remembered where stores and favorite restaurants were located from previous trips. He might not have had a clear plan for where he wants to go, but maybe he knew about the bridge into Philly. Maybe he thought it would not be as obvious of a choice if he got a bus or train from there. Or maybe there is some place in Philadelphia he always wanted to go. Perhaps he is taking this opportunity to go there. I wonder who he might know from Rutgers. Someone who might have given him a place to stay? Why did he visit there before-- some academic event or classes with other gifted high school students? Early tour of a possible college choice? It would be interesting to know where else in the US Thomas has visited previously or may have expressed an interest in going-- had he made out his list of "dream colleges" yet? He might not be thinking of visiting the universities but if he was in contact with anyone from those universities he might go to those towns. Just brainstorming...

Idk, dad said Thomas went to the aquarium a couple times when he was young so it’s possible he isn’t familiar with the area. I don’t think the dad said thomas has been to the college before, just kind of mentioned the college as a place Thomas potentially went when he was recently spotted in Camden. Imo if someone of Thomas’s supposed intellect was looking at colleges at an early age, Rutgers Camden probably wouldn’t be on the list.

 

[zecats]

I noticed in that video he mentions Thomas has been to the aquarium and the university in Camden before. Looking at those locations in relation to where he was seen on video: Google Maps

It actually makes sense to me now that he chose to go to Camden. It is a place he is familiar with-- even if he wasn't planning to go to the aquarium or the university he would feel comfortable walking around that area because he had been there before. He might have remembered where stores and favorite restaurants were located from previous trips. He might not have had a clear plan for where he wants to go, but maybe he knew about the bridge into Philly. Maybe he thought it would not be as obvious of a choice if he got a bus or train from there. Or maybe there is some place in Philadelphia he always wanted to go. Perhaps he is taking this opportunity to go there. I wonder who he might know from Rutgers. Someone who might have given him a place to stay? Why did he visit there before-- some academic event or classes with other gifted high school students? Early tour of a possible college choice? It would be interesting to know where else in the US Thomas has visited previously or may have expressed an interest in going-- had he made out his list of "dream colleges" yet? He might not be thinking of visiting the universities but if he was in contact with anyone from those universities he might go to those towns. Just brainstorming...

Honestly, there's not much of an area to walk around in Camden that is a place I'd want my 15 year old walking. No restaurants and stores that one thinks of when visiting a small city. Most of those would be across the bridge in Philly. The waterfront in Camden where the aquarium is, is nice, with some other locales there (Battleship NJ for one). And to say that the area is up-and-coming is fair.

As for college choices, this is a branch of Rutgers, not at all like the main campus in New Brunswick. Most students are commuters and those that live on the small campus may be in grad school and connected to studies at Cooper Hospital. The commuters are normally local so it's hard to imagine Thomas would have any interest in attending school here (or know anyone though with SM always possible). If Rutgers were on his radar, the main campus would likely be more appealing to him. JMO of course. Knowing that he visited Camden before leads me to believe it was to tour the aquarium and maybe the battleship. So yes, at least he was familiar with that part of town. The bridge is right there and is appealing to walk over the Delaware River in a safe pedestrian walkway into the historical area of Philly. And much more to see and do over there. His sense of adventure does match his wanting to walk that bridge and around Philly a bit. Just some thoughts to help clarify.

 

[Gardener1850]

Idk, dad said Thomas went to the aquarium a couple times when he was young so it’s possible he isn’t familiar with the area. I don’t think the dad said thomas has been to the college before, just kind of mentioned the college as a place Thomas potentially went when he was recently spotted in Camden. Imo if someone of Thomas’s supposed intellect was looking at colleges at an early age, Rutgers Camden probably wouldn’t be on the list.

Honestly, there's not much of an area to walk around in Camden that is a place I'd want my 15 year old walking. No restaurants and stores that one thinks of when visiting a small city. Most of those would be across the bridge in Philly. The waterfront in Camden where the aquarium is, is nice, with some other locales there (Battleship NJ for one). And to say that the area is up-and-coming is fair.

As for college choices, this is a branch of Rutgers, not at all like the main campus in New Brunswick. Most students are commuters and those that live on the small campus may be in grad school and connected to studies at Cooper Hospital. The commuters are normally local so it's hard to imagine Thomas would have any interest in attending school here (or know anyone though with SM always possible). If Rutgers were on his radar, the main campus would likely be more appealing to him. JMO of course. Knowing that he visited Camden before leads me to believe it was to tour the aquarium and maybe the battleship. So yes, at least he was familiar with that part of town. The bridge is right there and is appealing to walk over the Delaware River in a safe pedestrian walkway into the historical area of Philly. And much more to see and do over there. His sense of adventure does match his wanting to walk that bridge and around Philly a bit. Just some thoughts to help clarify.

Thank you both for the local knowledge.

 

[SD123Me]

I am sure in the situation where he flew alone, either his parents or other family members dropped him off at the airport (and probably went in with him) and picked him up from the airport.

Parents can only accompany a child to security check. Since these parents believe there son is “saavy” and should be spoken to like a “25 year old” I doubt they had someone walk or drive him to the gate and babysit him at departure of arrival. If he wasn’t to be trusted, he wouldn’t have flown home alone because there is PLENTY of opportunity for an individual to exit stage right if they want to.

 

[zecats]

Parents can only accompany a child to security check. Since these parents believe there son is “saavy” and should be spoken to like a “25 year old” I doubt they had someone walk or drive him to the gate and babysit him at departure of arrival. If he wasn’t to be trusted, he wouldn’t have flown home alone because there is PLENTY of opportunity for an individual to exit stage right if they want to.

It's possible to get a pass to go through security even if not flying when accompanying someone in need. Not saying or believing this fits Thomas' situation, but in my experience, when I take my handicapped brother to the airport so he can fly to see his father, I am allowed to accompany him and wait at the gate with him until he boards. As well, same is true when he returns - able to go though to gate and meet him.

 

[human]

Parents can only accompany a child to security check. Since these parents believe there son is “saavy” and should be spoken to like a “25 year old” I doubt they had someone walk or drive him to the gate and babysit him at departure of arrival. If he wasn’t to be trusted, he wouldn’t have flown home alone because there is PLENTY of opportunity for an individual to exit stage right if they want to.

What is the age where the parents do not have to pay for someone to accompany a child?

 

[zecats]

What is the age where the parents do not have to pay for someone to accompany a child?

I looked it up and got United's policy.Other airlines seem to be the same.

ETA.

Children younger than 5 years of age are unable to travel as unaccompanied minors, even if they are flying with an older unaccompanied child. Unaccompanied minor service is not available for children ages 15 and older. Young adults ages 15 to 17 may travel alone on any United- or United Express-operated flight.

 

[human]

I looked it up and got United's policy.Other airlines seem to be the same.

ETA.

Children younger than 5 years of age are unable to travel as unaccompanied minors, even if they are flying with an older unaccompanied child. Unaccompanied minor service is not available for children ages 15 and older. Young adults ages 15 to 17 may travel alone on any United- or United Express-operated flight.

Is he 15 now? When did he fly by himself?

I think when my grandson flew in the US by himself, the airlines required a paid assistant.

 

[Alleykins]

Is he 15 now? When did he fly by himself?
I think when my grandson flew in the US by himself, the airlines required a paid assistant.

When my niece flew unaccompanied when she was 12ish, she was escorted on and off the plane by the in-flight staff, and they watched her during the flight. But the flight had to be nonstop with no layovers or she couldn't have flown alone. This was back in the early 2000's, so the policies might have changed since.

 

[zecats]

Is he 15 now? When did he fly by himself?

I think when my grandson flew in the US by himself, the airlines required a paid assistant.

Yes he's 15 now. Have we ever learned how old he was when he flew by himself?

 

[JerseyGirl]

My oldest went to college out of state. My youngest has flown back and forth a few times alone. Under 12 or 13 I had to pay a fee of about $100 to walk her to the gate. A stewardess escorted her onboard and gave her snacks and someone who I designate by photo Id was required to be at the gate upon her arrival. Even though my daughter has flown multiple times on this same nonstop route at least 3 times a year with us since she was born, she knows the routine and doesn’t need assistance but the airlines requires the fee and extra security.

Once she turned 14 or 15 she was able to buy the ticket, check herself in online(never had checked luggage) and travel without us taking her to the gate.

 

[bears10]

Parents can only accompany a child to security check. Since these parents believe there son is “saavy” and should be spoken to like a “25 year old” I doubt they had someone walk or drive him to the gate and babysit him at departure of arrival. If he wasn’t to be trusted, he wouldn’t have flown home alone because there is PLENTY of opportunity for an individual to exit stage right if they want to.

I’m aware they can only accompany him to security. However if he’s in the Netherlands or wheveter it is they go each summer, it’s less likely he’d have a way to runaway from the airport considering he’s not from there. I disagree there’s “PLENTY of opportunity”’ for a kid to escape from a foreign airport.

 

[JerseyGirl]

Missing Mountain Lakes teen reportedly spotted in Ohio