The family of an American college student studying abroad in France are urgently searching for him after he disappeared weeks ago.

Kenneth DeLand Jr was reported missing after he didn’t show up for class at the University of Grenoble Alpes in France.

DeLand, 22, is a student at St John Fisher University in Rochester, New York. His family and friends have not heard from him since November 27, when he sent several people messages on WhatsApp.

DeLand was last seen boarding a train on Wednesday, November 30. The train was traveling towards Valence, France, about 60 miles away from the university.

According to his family, DeLand ate breakfast, made himself lunch for the day, and packed a change of clothes, his wallet, and cell phone. He left his other belongings – including his computer and phone charger – with his host family in Grenoble.

Before he left, he spoke to his neighbor, who said the student seemed ‘positive.’

DeLand’s parents said their son was enjoying his time in Europe. ‘He’s been traveling, he’s been having a great time,’ his father Kenneth DeLand Sr told WHAM.

Investigators were able to track him for a few days later to the city of Montélimar, just south of Valence. He was last seen on security at a sporting goods store in the city, where he spent about $8.40.

His family only found out after a university liaison reached out after filing a missing persons report.

Police in France are currently investigating DeLand’s disappearance. However, due to French privacy laws, the family has gotten frustratingly few updates from police.

In the meantime, DeLand’s family has created a website to submit tips or information. He was last seen wearing a red jacket, grey hat, blue jeans, and carrying a black backpack.

DeLand’s study abroad program was set to end on December 17, and his student visa will expire on January 20, 2023.

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