The urgency in Middle Tennessee is palpable as the search for 15-year-old Sebastian Rogers enters its second week. Rogers, who disappeared from his home last month, still hasn't been found despite a widespread search effort involving multiple agencies and an issued AMBER Alert. As reported by WKRN, Deputy Chief Eric Craddock of the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office announced the search would be scaled down, emphasizing that they remain committed to locating the teenager. "This does not diminish our commitment to finding Sebastian," Craddock said. "This is simply us transitioning from the ground search to the investigative side."
Amid this intensive search, the Knox County Rescue Squad has volunteered to aid, contributing their expertise to the effort. "Their EMA director contacted our regional director in that area and then they contacted us," Brian Townsend, Chief of the Knox County Rescue, told WATE. To thoroughly comb through assigned grids, the rescue team has coordinated with local authorities, even as the rugged terrain challenges their efforts.
Utilizing various means, the search teams have left no stone unturned. Resources like helicopters, boats, drones, K-9s, and horses have been deployed to assist in the search. According to KRQE, Deputy Chief Eric Craddock also mentioned a creative attempt to connect with Rogers, saying, "We were told that his favorite song was 'Eye of The Tiger.' We tried playing that to kind of call him and let him know we're here to help." Despite the continued efforts and expanded search radius, there has so far been no sighting of the teen.
Specialized search groups have been brought in, including experts accustomed to difficult mountainous terrains and caves, to investigate any potential leads or areas where the teenager might be found. "Yesterday, we had a group from East Tennessee come in and they’re mountainous experts and they do caves," Ken Weidner, director of the Sumner County EMA, explained to KRQE. The search continues as the community hopes for the safe return of Sebastian Rogers.
