British Paralympian Sam Ruddock has been found safe in Las Vegas, Nevada, following a disappearance that sparked a two-week search.
The 35-year-old athlete from Rugby, Warwickshire, was reported missing on 24 April, after last being seen watching WrestleMania 41 in Paradise, Nevada, on 13 April.
A spokesperson for Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed: “A missing person report was filed on April 24, 2025. Through the course of the investigation, the individual has been located safe.”
The former ParalympicsGB shot putter and cyclist had travelled to the United States to attend the wrestling event. He had been staying at Bungalow Hostel in Las Vegas, where staff said he checked in on 14 April but failed to check out as scheduled the following day. His belongings were found in his room.
Concern grew after Ruddock’s last known activity — a video shared on Instagram showing him riding in an Austin-Healey with a man named “Steve” and being dropped off at the world-famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, known from the TV show Pawn Stars. No contact was made with family or friends after 16 April.
View this post on Instagram
His friend Lucy Earl confirmed via Instagram that Sam has now been located and is “physically well”. She expressed relief and thanked the public for helping raise awareness through the missing person campaign. “Let’s get that boy home,” she said in a video.
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stated: “We are in touch with the local authorities in Las Vegas and stand ready to provide consular support.”
Before his disappearance, Sam Ruddock had an impressive record as a Paralympian, having competed at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. He has cerebral palsy and is known for his advocacy work alongside his athletic achievements.
Friend and fellow campaigner Chris Graves had earlier told Metro: “We just want to know that he’s safe, that’s the bottom line. There’s been no direct contact with him or any social media activity since April 16.”
As of now, no further details have been released regarding the circumstances of his disappearance, but his safe recovery has brought immense relief to his family and supporters.
