Mom Speaks Out As Search Efforts Ramp Up To Find Missing U of P Freshman

Portland, Ore. – Update: We’re now hearing from family as the search continues for a missing University of Portland student. Owen Klinger has not been seen since leaving Christie Hall on the U-P campus Sunday evening. Bank records show the 18-year-old withdrew money from an A-T-M at some point on Sunday. His phone went dark early Sunday evening. Owen’s mother tells Newspartner KGW he was always in touch with family.

Friends and family are organizing search efforts. Owen’s mom says the U-of-P got a ping off Owen’s cell phone around 8:30 Sunday night, near a bus stop on the edge of campus. Police are working with TriMet to see if he got on a bus.

A freshman at the University of Portland is missing. Owen Klinger was last seen leaving Christie Hall on the university campus Sunday night around 7:30pm. Friends and family say it’s very unlike him to disappear like this. He’s a Portland native. 6-foot-1, 165 pounds, with shoulder-length brown hair. He was last seen wearing a light blue hoodie and jeans. If you’ve seen Klinger or know of his whereabouts call Portland Police. Klinger is a former student of Grant High School.

University of Portland sent out this release:

 A first-year University of Portland student has been reported missing by his schoolmates and family.  Owen Klinger, an 18-year-old male and a Portland native, was last seen leaving Christie Hall on the UP campus at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 6.  Any individuals with pertinent information should contact UP Public Safety at (503) 943-7161.

Owen is described as follows:

Height:                                 6’ 1”

Weight:                               165 pounds

Eye Color:                           Brown

Hair Color:                          Medium brown, shoulder-length

Last Seen Wearing:         Light-blue hooded sweatshirt, jeans, sneakers and a drawstring backpack

The following is an official statement from the University:

“We share in the concern of Owen’s family, roommates and friends in seeking knowledge of his whereabouts.  For Owen to go more than 24 hours without any contact with those who know him is unusual.  Anyone who may have seen or had contact with Owen since Sunday night is urged to call University of Portland Public Safety at (503) 943-7161; or the Portland Police Bureau (503) 823-3333.  With the community’s help, we hope and pray for Owen’s safe return.”