British Paralympian with Lincolnshire links Sam Ruddock reported missing during Las Vegas holiday
A British Paralympian with links to Lincolnshire has been reported missing while on holiday in Las Vegas.
Sam Ruddock, 35, has represented Britain in shot put, cycling and sprinting.
He had travelled to Las Vegas to attend WrestleMania and was staying in a hostel in the city, but was last heard from on April 16, when all contact stopped.
UPDATE: Police in Las Vegas reported finding Mr Ruddock alive earlier on Tuesday morning.
According to reports in national and international media, his belongings were left behind in his hostel room, and he did not check out as expected.
Social media activity stopped on April 16, and his last post showed him riding in a car with an unknown man referred to as “Steve” before being dropped off at the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop where the Pawn Stars TV show was filmed.
The athlete, from Rugby, Warwickshire, has strong ties to the county and has, for many years, been an ambassador for Grantham-based sports charity Inspire+, visiting numerous schools across the county and acting as a motivational speaker.
He has also attended numerous Inspire+ Mini Olympics, involving schools from across the county.
A statement from Inspire+ said: “We are deeply concerned and saddened to hear that longtime Inspire+ Ambassador and friend of the charity, Sam Ruddock, has been reported missing.
“Sam was last heard from on April 16 and was on holiday visiting a WrestleMania event in Las Vegas.
“As a valued member of Inspire+, we know this news is being felt by many. We are doing everything we can to support friends, family, staff, and school communities who have been affected by this news.
“We encourage anyone who has information about Sam’s whereabouts to contact Lincolnshire Police or Las Vegas Police Department.
“Contact details: 07951 302953 or Lincolnshire Police 101 quoting incident number 0169-25.04.25.”
In 2022, Sam handed out the annual Children of Courage Awards for the Rotary Club of Grantham Kesteven at Walton Academy.
His mental health had been a concern before the trip, according to his friend Lucy Hatton.
Sam’s mother, Fran Ruddock, from Lincoln, has issued a public appeal, stating he usually spoke to her every day and was very sociable.
She told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that Sam was a “very trusting soul” who was “incredibly kind-hearted.”
“He is larger than life; he has a wonderful soul,” she said.
“We are all absolutely frantic with worry.”
British Cycling and other officials have also confirmed his disappearance to the authorities.
Lincolnshire Police has confirmed that there is an active missing person investigation, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office have told media that they are in contact with the local authorities.
