British paralympian Sam Ruddock, who vanished in Las Vegas over a week ago, has been found alive and safe, authorities have confirmed.
The track cyclist, hailing from Rugby, Warwickshire, had travelled to the United States on 13 April to attend the WWE’s WrestleMania event. Worry grew among his loved ones when they lost contact with him on 16 April.
Ruddock had reportedly checked into the Bungalows Hostel in Las Vegas on 14 April, intending to check out the following day. However, he failed to do so, leaving behind his belongings, which sparked serious concern.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department informed the media that a missing person report for Mr Ruddock was filed on 24 April. After an investigation, authorities confirmed he had been located safely.
A spokesperson stated: “A missing person report was filed on April 24, 2025. Through the course of the investigation, the individual has been located safe.”
Before he was found, Ruddock’s mother, Fran Ruddock, and close friend Lucy Hatton had launched appeals for information. Hatton, a former athlete who lived with Ruddock in 2017, had voiced fears after he went silent.
Ruddock, who lives with cerebral palsy, is also a father to a two-and-a-half-year-old son. Sharing the relief on social media, Ms Hatton said: “Let’s get that boy home.”
Speaking to the media outlet, she added: “Sam is alive and well. Currently, we’re working with authorities to get him home safely.” She continued: “Family and friends are so grateful to everyone for their love and support to help get Sam home,” confirming that “he’s physically okay”.
When Ruddock was first reported missing, Hatton noted something felt off. “Something just wasn’t right because Sam was someone who was so overwhelming on social media,” she said.
“He’s the type of person who wants to share his passions and he loves sport,” she explained, describing him as a “tremendous human being.”
Thankfully, this worrying ordeal has ended positively. Sam Ruddock’s safe recovery has brought immense relief to his family, friends, and supporters both at home and abroad. Efforts are now underway to ensure he returns home safely to his loved ones.
