MISSING MAN’S FAMILY ASKS FOR HELP
Jeanene Hughes, second from left, the mother of Thomas Hughes, a 25-year-old Beechview man last seen on Jan. 23, asks for the public’s help in finding her son at a news conference Saturday on 18th Street on the South Side, where Mr. Hughes’ van was found on Jan. 24. Also seen are, from left, Mr. Hughes’ sister Alexis Hughes; his father, Tom Hughes; and his girlfriend, Regan Ruff.
The family of missing 25year old Thomas Hughes has is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to his return.
Mr. Hughes’ mother, Jeanene Hughes, made the announcement Saturday during a news conference near the South Side Riverfront Trail.
Her son was last reported seen about 10:45 p.m. Jan. 23 at his sister’s home in Beechview. Police were able to ping his cellphone about 4 a.m. Jan. 24 near the Mon Wharf.
Later that day, his van — unlocked and with the keys in the ignition — was found on the South Side, according to the family.
Though her son has always “had demons,” this is “very abnormal behavior,” Mrs. Hughes said.
“Right now, we aren’t ruling anything out,” she said. “We don’t know if he took off and he’s on a mission to find himself.”
The family, along with Mr. Hughes’ girlfriend, Regan Ruff, and other friends have been posting flyers around the city seeking information on Mr. Hughes’ whereabouts.
Mrs. Hughes said the family decided to offer a reward because “usually when money’s involved, you get a better response from people.”
Ms. Ruff has started a GoFundMe page to help raise money for search expenses, according to the page’s description.
“I just want to say we’re all shattered. … We don’t know what to think, but we love him,” Ms. Ruff said. “We just want him home safe, no matter the situation or what happened.”
City police are investigating but had no updates Saturday, according to spokeswoman Cara Cruz.
Mr. Hughes stands 6 feet, 1 inch tall; weighs about 260 pounds; and has blond hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt, dark jeans, black boots and a black Carhartt jacket.
Anyone with information is asked to call 9-1-1 or the police department’s Special Victims Unit at 412323-7141.