Parents’ fury over delay in reporting son missing
Parents’ fury over delay in reporting son missing
The parents of a missing soldier expressed anger over the Army’s failure to notice their son’s absence for two weeks, claiming this delay could have “potentially” led to his death. L/Cpl Ryan Rudd, 28, was last spotted at the New Inn in Selby on 15 February, after which he failed to return to his barracks at Catterick Garrison. Ken and Kerstin Rudd from Pocklington said they learned of the situation only when a senior officer contacted them on 1 March to inquire about their son’s whereabouts.
Two-week gap in communication
The couple stated the Army had not flagged their son’s absence until the call on 1 March, leaving them feeling the two-week delay “hindered” the search for Ryan. Ken Rudd, who served in the Army, explained that roll calls are meant to track soldiers’ locations but added that Ryan “didn’t get cross-checked two Mondays in a row.” This oversight, he said, put police in a “unfortunate” position of being behind in the investigation.
“It was awful. The fact that nobody had noticed he was missing for two weeks—it was shocking, we couldn’t believe it was happening,” Kerstin Rudd said.
According to the family, Ryan had been with a friend from a different unit and split up during a night out. They believed the friend was on a course for two weeks, leading them to think Ryan had returned to the barracks. Kerstin Rudd noted that their son had “no reason to disappear” and was “enjoying it in the Army.” She suggested the delay might have erased evidence of what occurred that night, including “anything washed away with the rain or whatever.”
Army’s response and ongoing inquiry
The Army confirmed that Ryan was reported missing to North Yorkshire Police on 1 March 2026, with an investigation currently underway. In a statement, they said: “We are working with North Yorkshire Police who are leading this.” The police, meanwhile, remained “open minded” about the circumstances of his disappearance but acknowledged the possibility that Ryan may have entered the River Ouse.
“For missing those two weeks and not knowing where he was, this has potentially cost my son his life,” Ken Rudd said.
Ken Rudd emphasized that his son was not the type to vanish voluntarily, calling it “out of character.” He added that Ryan had a habit of going out with friends, taking city trips, and always returning home. The couple hopes that sharing their story might help jog memories, particularly among people in Selby who might have seen Ryan during the time he went missing.
North Yorkshire Police have not yet released further details, but they remain focused on uncovering the truth. The couple’s frustration underscores the urgency of the search as they wait for answers about their son’s fate.
