2008 Woodie Awards
Search continues for student
No leads in Ross' disappearance
Brittany Lane
Issue date: 12/4/06 Section: News
Junior Garrett Toms summed up everyone's feelings since Ross went missing.
"It's a huge shock for everyone," Toms said. "We all feel pretty useless being here in Kansas City. It's been hard for everyone. I can't even imagine how his family feels."
Don Ross said 95.7 "the Vibe" and the University have been helpful in the search for Ross. DJs have aired regular pleas for information about Ross' whereabouts. The University is cooperating with Chicago authorities to provide details that may help the search. UMKC also provided counseling services for students upset over Ross' disappearance.
"Our thoughts are with Jesse, his family, and friends," Chancellor Guy Bailey said. "When something like this happens to one of our own, it affects all of us; and we share in the prayers of many that this search will end soon with Jesse's safe return."
Ross, 13 other UMKC students, and faculty advisor Derek Moorehead arrived in Chicago Nov. 18 for the four-day Model UN conference. Approximately 1,200 students attended the conference. Ross was called early Tuesday morning to meet for a mock emergency situation. Brian Endless, executive director of American Model United Nations International, said the meeting lasted from 2 and 4 a.m., and several staff members reported seeing Ross there.
Police said the meeting, which took place at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers at 301 E. North Water St., was the last place Ross was seen. When the meeting was over, he left the conference hotel to make the 10-minute, well-lit walk back to the Four Points Sheraton Hotel at 630 N. Rush St., where the UMKC group was staying. But Ross never returned.
Chicago police are tracking down students who attended the conference. Dozens of students have already been questioned, but many are producing conflicting accounts about Ross' disappearance. Ross is believed to have attended a dance that lasted between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. at the hotel where the conference was held. Police report that some students say Ross was intoxicated when they saw him last, while others say he appeared to have been drinking but did not seem drunk.
"It's a huge shock for everyone," Toms said. "We all feel pretty useless being here in Kansas City. It's been hard for everyone. I can't even imagine how his family feels."
Don Ross said 95.7 "the Vibe" and the University have been helpful in the search for Ross. DJs have aired regular pleas for information about Ross' whereabouts. The University is cooperating with Chicago authorities to provide details that may help the search. UMKC also provided counseling services for students upset over Ross' disappearance.
"Our thoughts are with Jesse, his family, and friends," Chancellor Guy Bailey said. "When something like this happens to one of our own, it affects all of us; and we share in the prayers of many that this search will end soon with Jesse's safe return."
Ross, 13 other UMKC students, and faculty advisor Derek Moorehead arrived in Chicago Nov. 18 for the four-day Model UN conference. Approximately 1,200 students attended the conference. Ross was called early Tuesday morning to meet for a mock emergency situation. Brian Endless, executive director of American Model United Nations International, said the meeting lasted from 2 and 4 a.m., and several staff members reported seeing Ross there.
Police said the meeting, which took place at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers at 301 E. North Water St., was the last place Ross was seen. When the meeting was over, he left the conference hotel to make the 10-minute, well-lit walk back to the Four Points Sheraton Hotel at 630 N. Rush St., where the UMKC group was staying. But Ross never returned.
Chicago police are tracking down students who attended the conference. Dozens of students have already been questioned, but many are producing conflicting accounts about Ross' disappearance. Ross is believed to have attended a dance that lasted between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. at the hotel where the conference was held. Police report that some students say Ross was intoxicated when they saw him last, while others say he appeared to have been drinking but did not seem drunk.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
DBanksofKC
Diane Banks
posted 12/07/06 @ 5:46 PM EST
I appreciate the thorough update on Jesse's disappearance and notice of the Hope Rally to be held tonight. I hope local TV stations will take the opportunity to get this information out to a wider audience. (Continued…)
Jessedad
Don Ross
posted 12/23/06 @ 3:06 AM EST
This is a very well written article, factual without being sensationalized. A very professional job.
Our family will be celebrating the holidays, the birth of our Lord, and hoping for word on Jesse sometime soon. (Continued…)
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