The search for Owen Kenney missing has entered its fifth day, with extensive efforts continuing to locate the 19-year-old College of Charleston student who disappeared early on Halloween. Authorities say Kenney was last seen near the pedestrian walkway of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge in Charleston, South Carolina.
Latest Verified Updates
Owen Kenney, a freshman at the College of Charleston, was last seen in the early morning hours of Friday, October 31. Friends reported seeing him around 2 a.m. near King Street and Burns Lane in downtown Charleston. Investigators later confirmed that his cellphone’s last signal was detected on the Ravenel Bridge pedestrian walkway shortly after 3 a.m.
Kenney was reportedly wearing a black hooded jacket, light-colored pants, and black Nike sneakers with white soles when he was last seen. He is described as 6 feet 1 inch tall, weighing about 155 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He also has several tattoos—on his right forearm, left shoulder, left shin, and knee.
Authorities have mobilized multiple agencies, including K-9 units, drones, and underwater recovery teams, to search the Charleston area and surrounding waterways. The Charleston Police Department continues to work with the FBI and New Jersey State Police to locate the missing student.
The College of Charleston has also issued a statement confirming that while the search is ongoing, there is currently no threat to the broader campus community. Counseling and support services have been made available for students and staff affected by the news.
Background Details & Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Oct 31, early a.m. | Kenney last seen near King Street and Burns Lane around 2 a.m. |
| Oct 31, ~3:00 a.m. | Cellphone pinged on the Ravenel Bridge pedestrian walkway. |
| Nov 1 | College of Charleston reported Kenney missing to local authorities. |
| Nov 4 | Police released updated information, confirming last known location and outfit description. |
What We Know and What Remains Unclear
Investigators believe Kenney left a party and was walking home when he disappeared. Reports indicate he was only minutes away from his residence when contact was lost. His last known cellphone activity on the bridge remains one of the most significant leads in the case.
The investigation has ruled out several early theories as evidence continues to develop. While no foul play has been confirmed, law enforcement is considering all possible scenarios, including accidental or self-directed causes. Surveillance footage and phone data are being analyzed to reconstruct Kenney’s last movements before he vanished.
Despite extensive searches and public appeals, there have been no verified sightings or leads since the morning he went missing. Detectives have emphasized that even the smallest piece of information could be vital to resolving the case.
Authorities’ Appeal to the Public
The Charleston Police Department is urging anyone who may have been in the area during the early hours of October 31 to come forward. Individuals with potential information can contact 843-720-2422 and ask for the on-duty central detective. Online tip submissions are also being accepted.
Police have asked the public to avoid spreading unverified information, noting that online speculation can interfere with ongoing investigations. Officials have emphasized the importance of factual, timely reporting in missing person cases like this.
On campus, students have come together in solidarity, organizing small vigils and social media efforts to share information and raise awareness. Many describe a sense of disbelief that a member of their community could vanish so suddenly.
Why the Case Raises Concern
- Sudden disappearance: Kenney vanished within walking distance of his home, making the case especially troubling for both investigators and residents.
- Bridge location: The last cellphone ping on the Ravenel Bridge—a large, high-traffic structure—poses unique challenges for search teams.
- Complex search terrain: Water currents, wind conditions, and limited overnight visibility have made the ongoing recovery efforts both difficult and resource-intensive.
- Community impact: The disappearance has raised new questions about student safety during late-night hours near downtown Charleston and the bridge area.
Authorities are continuing systematic searches by air, land, and sea. Patrol boats and divers have been deployed in the Cooper River area, while drones and infrared imaging assist in covering the broader terrain.
Community and Family Response
Owen Kenney’s family, who traveled from Tinton Falls, New Jersey, has been in Charleston since the weekend. They are working closely with local authorities and volunteers, expressing gratitude for the support received but pleading for anyone with information to step forward.
The family has described Owen as a bright, friendly young man who was adjusting well to college life and had recently transferred to the College of Charleston earlier this year. His friends recall him as outgoing and responsible, making his sudden disappearance all the more difficult to comprehend.
Local residents have joined search efforts, walking routes around the bridge and surrounding parks, distributing flyers, and spreading awareness online. The sense of unity across the community reflects growing concern for Kenney’s safety.
Ongoing Search and Next Steps
Law enforcement agencies remain committed to finding Owen Kenney. Daily search operations continue, weather permitting, with updates expected as new information becomes available. Detectives are also reviewing surveillance from traffic and security cameras in the vicinity of the bridge and downtown Charleston to trace Kenney’s route that night.
Officials have stated that every hour matters in missing person cases, and the investigation remains active. They continue to appeal to the public for tips, emphasizing that even minor details could help connect the dots.
As of today, no evidence has been found to indicate Kenney’s whereabouts. Police and volunteers remain hopeful that expanding the search area and reviewing additional digital data will bring new developments soon.
Conclusion
The case of Owen Kenney missing has drawn widespread attention and concern throughout Charleston and beyond. As search efforts enter another day, both investigators and the community are united in their hope for answers. Anyone with information—no matter how small—is urged to contact authorities immediately and help bring Owen home.
Please share any relevant information or thoughts in the comments below to help keep awareness alive and support the ongoing search for Owen.