FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The family of the UGA student who disappeared while on a run Monday night released a statement, saying they were thankful to have their son back home.
It was around 9 p.m. Monday when the 19-year-old Byron Grogan left home to go on a run at a trail at Chattahoochee Pointe Park located off Old Atlanta Road. But after a few hours, family became concerned when he didn't return home.
They called Grogan's disappearance unusual, especially since he was familiar with the path there from running cross country with the Lambert High School team. Family went to the park to search for him, and grew increasingly worried when they found Grogan's car parked with the keys inside.
After an intense search that lasted more than a day and involved more than 150 volunteers, officers from law enforcement and even help from inmates, Grogan turned up safe. Officials said he "came back to his house" just after 2 a.m. Wednesday morning.
As for the explanation for his disappearance, family said Grogan became "lost and disoriented" while trying to run home through the forest from the outer boundary of the park, believing the gates would be closed before he finished his run.
Family continued their statement, thanking members of law enforcement, search volunteers and the media for helping bring their son home.
Below is the full statement from the Grogan family:
"We thank God that our son is alive and well. We sincerely appreciate the incredible support from our family, friends, law enforcement, volunteers and entire community throughout this time. The support has been truly overwhelming.
We’d especially like to thank the law enforcement and fire/rescue agencies who worked tirelessly to find our son. Their response from the beginning was immediate, comprehensive, and highly professional. Our community is truly blessed to have such wonderful support from our law and rescue organizations. We’d also like to thank the media for getting the word out so quickly. We are eternally grateful to you all.
Byron became lost and disoriented while attempting to run home through the forest from the outer boundary of the park, after believing the park's driveway gates would be closed before he finished his run. We are so happy to have him home."
Meanwhile, officials say they are still investigating the circumstances surrounding Grogan's disappearance.
