The Matthews Police Department issued an update on the case of Ethan Demaison, a missing teenager who was last seen in the 2300 block of Whispering Springs. Today, police advised that Ethan, described as a white male, approximately 6’00” tall, weighing 280 lbs, and last seen wearing grey sweat pants, a black hoodie, brown boots, and a black backpack, has been safely located. The boy, born June 23, 2010, had not been seen since his disappearance, triggering a call for public assistance in his search, according to a social media post from the Matthews Police Department.
Prior to the happy resolution concerned individuals were asked to step forward with any knowledge of Ethan's whereabouts the community response, manifesting in a collective effort to bring Ethan home, exemplifies the potency of shared information in real-time crisis; this cooperation between the public and law enforcement played a critical role in the successful outcome of this case. The police had urged anyone with information to call 911 or contact them at 704-847-5555.
The details concerning the circumstances of Ethan's disappearance and his subsequent safe return have not been disclosed by the authorities. Respecting the privacy of Ethan and his family remains paramount as they navigate the aftermath of this event, which one can only imagine brought a considerable amount of distress and worry to those close to him. Sharing further information on such a sensitive matter will be at the discretion of law enforcement and Ethan's family.
As a society, it's incumbent on us to remain aware, to engage and to ensure that when a child like Ethan vanishes, he is remembered and sought after with immediate action—and it's a testament to the community when such action brings a child home safely.
