The Rochester Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of a 21-year-old Rochester resident and University of Illinois student.
William "Harry" Harrison Hempy was last heard from March 25, while home on spring break. He spoke to his father via cell phone; those records indicate Hempy's phone was last used in the area of 55th Street Northwest and West River Road.
He hasn't been seen since, and his March 29 train ticket back to Illinois went unused.
Hempy is 6 feet tall, 160 pounds, with hazel eyes and short brown hair. He was last believed to be wearing a black jacket, jeans and light-colored Asics brand running shoes.
During the past three weeks, all possibilities for his disappearance have been considered by investigators, said Capt. John Sherwin.
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As part of the investigation, officers have worked closely with the Hempy family, as well as U of I police, to determine the man's mindset during the days, weeks and months leading up to his disappearance.
According to family and friends, Hempy recently rediscovered his religious beliefs and has been eager to share those beliefs with others.
While it's unknown if his rediscovery of religion may factor into his disappearance, the Rochester Police Department is asking members of the public — specifically religious organizations or faith-based charity groups — who may have had contact with Hempy in recent weeks to contact Inv. Anne Swenson directly at 328-6921.
"We're hoping to find someone who may have helped him, talked to him, anything," Sherwin said today. "We just don't know where he is."
Law enforcement remains committed to bringing closure to the case, he said.
