Concerns for US student missing from Palmerston North
William Henry Johnson. Photo: Supplied
Private investigators are concerned for the safety of a missing US aviation student who vanished from Palmerston North over a week ago.
Massey University student William Henry Johnson, known as Will to friends and family, was last seen by friends between May 30 and June 1 in the Takaro area.
Private investigator Mike Gillam, of The Investigators New Zealand, said Johnson's last communication with his family was on June 5.
The 24-year-old had not responded to any attempts at contact since, and Johnson's family were very concerned for his wellbeing, Gillam said.
"It's completely out of character for him to not have contact with them for this period of time, and from what we've observed we agree with that," he said.
"We're really concerned because flatmates haven't seen him, and enquiries with the university etc, they're obviously treating it quite seriously as well."
Gillam said a team of investigators were involved in the search around Palmerston North and also Auckland, to where Johnson was known to make "off the cuff" trips.
"Will's mother is on the way over from Seattle in the States and we'll have boots on ground to assist her and navigate the police in Palmerston North and all that comes with that. We've got support wrapped around her in that respect," he said
"The family is distraught and treating it really seriously."
Police said they received a missing person report for Johnson on June 9, and officers were making initial enquiries and gathering information.
Gillam said Johnson drove a 2013 silver Mazda 6, registration MJK496, which was also missing and could provide leads to his whereabouts.
He said anyone with any information should get in touch immediately or call police with the reference number P062813346.
Gillam said he could be reached on 027 299 7603.
Investigators were particularly focused on the timeline between May 30 and June 1 when Johnson was last seen by friends.
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Will Johnson who has not been heard from for a week. Photo: Supplied Private investigators looking for an American aviation student missing from Palmerston North for more than a week say he has been found. Massey University student William Henry Johnson, known as Will, was last seen in Palmerston North between 30 May and 1 June. The 24-year-old's last communication with family was on 5 June and he had not responded to any attempts to contact him since. His parents hired private investigators to find him and Johnson's mother arrived in New Zealand from Seattle this morning. On Wednesday afternoon Mike Gillam, of The Investigators New Zealand, said after a tip they received at about 4pm, the investigators successfully located Will Johnson. "We are delighted to confirm that William has been found and is in good health. He has been reunited with his mother and the family is understandably relieved that this ordeal has come to a positive conclusion," he said in a statement. Gillam said William was located in Palmerston North following information provided by a member of the public who responded to media appeals for assistance. Earlier Gillam said that The Investigators New Zealand were working with police. His disappearance was "really traumatising" for his family, who were distraught, Gillam said earlier. His company had three investigators working on the matter full time. On Tuesday, Gillam said it was out of character for Johnson not to have contact with his family for such a period of time. Gillam on Wednesday said the positive outcome demonstrated the importance of community cooperation in missing person cases. The family had requested privacy at this time, he said. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
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a day ago
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