Samuel J. Wiater, 21, of N. Lancaster St., was reported missing Thursday night by his mother, according to an Athens Police Department press release that described an intense search effort starting last night and stretching into Friday morning. Search efforts continued today after daybreak.
Wiater is described as "a white male, 6’1” tall, approx. 175 lbs., thin build, with long reddish brown hair and hazel/green eyes," according to the release. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, black tennis shoes and a blue Baja hoodie.
Officers have reason to suspect that Mr. Wiater headed toward the Hocking River after leaving his residence at approximately 9:30 p.m. Thursday.
Officers from APD were joined in the search operations by OU Police, the Athens County Sheriff's office, and the Ohio State Patrol. The patrol's "air unit" from Columbus was in Athens assisting in the search. A watercraft unit from the Athens Fire Department will be assisting APD officers today.
As of 5 a.m. Friday morning, officers had been unable to locate Wiater. No other information was released as of 3 p.m. Friday. The release stated that further information will be released as it becomes available.
Police ask that anyone with information concerning Wiater's whereabouts — or who have observed any subject matching the describtion given — to call the Athens Police Department immediately at 740-593-6606.
— Joshua Jamerson
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