Parents’ fury over delay in reporting son missing

Parents’ Fury Over Army’s Delay in Reporting Son Missing

Ken and Kerstin Rudd, parents of Lance Corporal Ryan Rudd, have voiced their anger over the Army’s delayed notice of their son’s disappearance. The 28-year-old was last spotted at the New Inn in Selby on 15 February, but did not return to his barracks at Catterick Garrison. The couple only learned of his absence when a senior officer called on 1 March to inquire about his whereabouts.

Two-Week Gap in Communication

According to the couple, the two-week delay in reporting Ryan missing created significant challenges in locating him. “Nobody had noticed he was missing for two weeks,” Kerstin Rudd said, adding, “It was shocking, we couldn’t believe it was happening.” Ken Rudd, who served in the Army, explained that the base relies on roll calls to track soldiers’ locations. “They are meant to cross-reference to see if they are on a course, not on a course, or where they are,” he noted. “He didn’t get cross-checked two Mondays in a row.”

“For missing those two weeks and not knowing where he was, this has potentially cost my son his life,” Ken said.

Uncertainty About Ryan’s Fate

The family suspects Ryan may have been in an accident or faced a more sinister fate during the night he vanished. They mentioned that Ryan had been with a friend from another unit and split up while he finished a drink. Kerstin Rudd said they had planned to meet at another pub, but Ryan was denied entry. “We don’t know if he contacted anyone to say he hadn’t had any contact with Ryan,” she said.

“He had no reason to disappear and ‘he was enjoying it in the Army,’ ” Kerstin added.

North Yorkshire Police have stated they remain open-minded about Ryan’s disappearance but acknowledged the possibility he entered the River Ouse. The Army confirmed in a statement that Ryan was reported missing to the police on 1 March 2026. “An investigation is under way, and we are working with North Yorkshire Police who are leading this,” the statement read. “We are unable to offer further detail at this time.”

The couple hopes sharing their story might help others recall details from that night. “If there’s anyone in Selby who was around at the time and hadn’t heard that Ryan was missing, the slightest little thing might help the police find out what happened,” Kerstin said.

Police and Army Collaboration

The Army has partnered with North Yorkshire Police to investigate Ryan’s disappearance. While the police maintain an open stance, they have not ruled out the river as a location for his fate. The family believes Ryan would not have left on his own, emphasizing his nature as a soldier who always returns home after outings.

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