Parents’ fury over delay in reporting son missing
Parents’ fury over delay in reporting son missing
The parents of a missing soldier have criticized the Army for failing to recognize their son’s absence for two weeks, arguing this delay could have jeopardized his survival. L/Cpl Ryan Rudd, 28, was last seen at the New Inn in Selby on 15 February, and did not return to his barracks at Catterick Garrison. Ken and Kerstin Rudd from Pocklington revealed they only learned of the situation when a senior officer contacted them on 1 March to ask if Ryan was at home.
“The two-week gap put the police in an unfortunate position of being behind in the search,” said Ken Rudd. “They should know where each soldier is, but he didn’t get cross-checked on two Mondays in a row.”
The couple claimed they assumed Ryan had returned to base as usual, only later confirming he was missing and contacting the police. “It was awful,” Kerstin Rudd added. “Nobody had noticed he was gone for two weeks. It was shocking, we couldn’t believe it was happening.”
Ken Rudd, who served in the Army, explained that the base uses a combination of physical and electronic roll calls to track soldiers’ locations. “They are meant to cross-reference whether someone is on a course or off base, but there was no check for Ryan.”
“If there had been any evidence from that night, it might have been washed away by the rain or other factors,” Kerstin Rudd said. “We think something happened that night, and we don’t know if it was an accident or something more sinister.”
The parents emphasized Ryan’s character, stating he would not have vanished voluntarily. “He’s a soldier, and it’s in his nature to go out with friends and take city breaks, but he always comes home,” Ken said. They believed the absence was not intentional and hoped sharing details might help others recall what occurred.
Army’s response
The Army confirmed that L/Cpl Ryan Rudd was reported missing to North Yorkshire Police on 1 March 2026. “An investigation is ongoing, and we are collaborating with North Yorkshire Police who are leading this effort,” the statement said. The force declined to provide further information at this time.
North Yorkshire Police expressed openness to various theories about Ryan’s disappearance but noted the possibility he may have entered the River Ouse. The couple’s account highlights concerns about the Army’s ability to monitor soldiers’ whereabouts effectively during the critical period of absence.
