KNOX COUNTY, Ind. (We Are Knox County) - This Sunday marks 252 days since Jared McColloch disappeared.
Jared’s mother, Tammie Reppond, traveled from Louisiana and spent Friday hanging flyers in Knox County, hoping that someone, somewhere will see it and provide information.
Jared was last seen on November 5, 2023, around 8:30am at a gas station near Carmi, Illinois.
His last known phone call, according to cellphone records, was made at 11:00am near St. Francisville, Illinois.
The following day, Jared's truck, along with his two dogs, was discovered on Wabash River Road, south of Scott Road in southwestern Knox County.
However, Jared was nowhere to be found.
To raise awareness about her son’s case, Reppond is hosting an event at Clark's Landing on Ferry Road, just south of Vincennes, on Sunday from 11:00am until 2:00pm.
"We hope that by raising awareness, we can gather more information about what happened and attract additional resources to find Jared and bring him home," Reppond shared with WAKC News Now.
The goal is to create a family-friendly event where people can pick up flyers, bracelets, stickers, business cards, and pens with Jared's information, all while enjoying some food together.
There will also be flower boats where attendees can write messages and set them afloat down the Wabash River.
Reppond looks forward to personally thanking everyone for their support over the last nine months.
The search for Jared has gained widespread attention, with many joining the Find Jared McColloch Facebook group and helping to distribute flyers in their communities.
Reppond cherishes the social media group, saying these individuals have become lifelong best friends.
"They love him [Jared] like I do, and that warms my heart. It reminds me daily that I am not alone in this."
Some supporters organized a Change petition to have Jared's case transferred to the Illinois State Police or FBI.
The case is currently being handled by the Knox County Sheriff's Office.
"We need assistance with the investigation, which is centered mostly, if not entirely, in Illinois," Reppond emphasized.
"We do need to find Jared first and foremost, but we also need to know what happened to him. We may be able to find Jared if we know what happened."
Reppond acknowledges the detective on the case is "doing the best he can with what he has," but she’s hoping for more proactive measures.
"Pull the EDR (Electronic Data Recorder) on the truck. Question the people last known to have seen or spoken to him."
Reppond told WAKC News Now, "Jared was the kind of guy who loved helping people. The best way to describe him is like Michael Oher in the movie 'Blind Side'."
Reppond says Jared was very creative and enjoyed building things.
Jared’s dogs, Rusty and Roxy Mae, were also his beloved companions.
Reppond says she is desperate to bring Jared home.
"I know it may not be in the way I would like, but he at least deserves to be with his brother… his kids deserve answers."
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Knox County Sheriff’s Office at 812-882-7660 or the Finding Jared McColloch Tip Line at 618-367-1828.
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