News
Whereabouts Of Missing Man Still Unknown
By: Athens Messenger staff reports
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The whereabouts of a 21-year-old Athens man was still unknown as of 4:45 p.m. Saturday, according to Athens Police Chief Tom Pyle.
Samuel J. Wiater, 21, of North Lancaster Street, was reported missing by his mother on Thursday night. Police searched for Wiater that night and much of Friday, with assistance from Athens firefighters, Ohio University police, Athens County sheriff's deputies, the State Highway Patrol and a Hocking County Sheriff's Office police dog.
Officials stated there was reason to believe Wiater was headed toward the Hocking River after leaving his residence at 9:30 p.m. Thursday. His vehicle was found parked near the bike path on Currier Street. Boats were used to search the river.
Wiater is described as a white male standing 6-1 and weighing 175 pounds. He has a thin build with long, reddish-brown hair and hazel/green eyes. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, black tennis shoes and a blue Baja hoodie.
Pyle said Saturday that the active search ended Friday afternoon, but that an alert remains out for Wiater. He said there is no reason at this point to suspect foul play.
Anyone with information pertaining to Wiater’s whereabouts can call the Athens Police Department at 593-6606.