More than two weeks have passed since August Beckwith vanished from a Salt Lake City area, leaving his mother leading an increasingly urgent search effort. The 29-year-old man, who is autistic and nonverbal, was last spotted running along Wakara Way near the University of Utah campus on November 17.
Lori Beckwith, August’s mother, has transformed her anguish into action, organizing daily search operations with the help of community volunteers. Her mission grows more critical with each passing hour as her son remains without his essential medication.
A Mother’s Relentless Determination
Since August’s disappearance, Lori Beckwith has established a systematic search routine that covers multiple locations throughout Salt Lake City. Her team checks shelters, hospitals, and detention facilities daily to ensure no possibility is overlooked.
“We’re checking every location imaginable to make sure we’ve covered all our bases,” Lori explained during a conversation with reporters on Tuesday. She and her volunteer group were preparing to distribute additional missing person flyers across the University of Utah campus and surrounding neighborhoods.
The search effort has generated numerous reported sightings across various locations, though none have been confirmed. The difficulty in verifying these tips stems from the lack of surveillance cameras in certain areas, or reports arriving too late to follow up effectively.
Medical Emergency Adds Urgency
August Beckwith’s condition makes his disappearance particularly concerning. As a nonverbal individual on the autism spectrum, he faces significant vulnerability while navigating alone. His mother emphasizes that his situation grows more precarious with time.
“The situation has become critical because he’s no longer taking the medication necessary for his stability,” Lori stated. The medical aspect of his disappearance adds a layer of emergency that weighs heavily on the family and search teams.
Lori describes her son as extremely vulnerable, making the search not just urgent but absolutely essential for his wellbeing and survival.
Community Support and Search Logistics
The financial burden of conducting an extended search operation has proven substantial. Lori has established a GoFundMe campaign to help cover search-related expenses, while also collecting donations of warm clothing, blankets, and food. These supplies are being placed in strategic locations where August might seek shelter.
Over recent days, approximately 25 volunteers have joined the search efforts, with some traveling from communities in Utah, Davis, and Weber counties. However, Lori emphasizes that more assistance is desperately needed to cover the extensive search area.
“Just two hours from someone’s day could make an enormous difference in helping us locate him,” she said. “The amount of ground we need to cover is overwhelming for our current team size.”
The University of Utah Department of Public Safety has been working closely with Lori and maintaining communication about the ongoing search.
Physical Description and What to Watch For
August Beckwith currently has a full beard, though he typically maintains a clean-shaven appearance. When last seen, he wore a gray hooded sweatshirt, black jeans, and black shoes. However, his mother cautions that his clothing may have changed significantly since his disappearance.
“There’s clothing scattered around campus and throughout the streets. If he encountered people experiencing homelessness, they often share resources generously with one another, so he could be wearing completely different clothes now,” Lori explained. She notes that he left without a coat, phone, or any money.
How the Public Can Help
The Salt Lake City Police Department and University of Utah campus police are urging anyone who spots August to take specific precautions. Do not approach him directly. Instead, keep him within visual range and immediately contact 911 or the University of Utah campus police at 801-585-2677.
Lori Beckwith is also personally accepting tips about her son’s whereabouts at 801-232-5828. She stresses that every piece of information, regardless of how minor it might seem, could prove valuable to the search effort.
The mother expressed profound gratitude for the community support she’s already received, posting her appreciation on social media over the weekend.
“I cannot express enough thanks to those who have taken time away from their families and responsibilities to help save my son’s life,” she wrote. “I’m deeply moved by everyone who has already shown up to help.”
A Race Against Time
As the search enters its third week, the combination of winter weather, August’s medical needs, and his vulnerable condition creates an increasingly urgent situation. The Beckwith family and their growing network of volunteers continue to expand their search radius while maintaining hope that August will be found safe.
Anyone with information about August Beckwith’s location is encouraged to contact authorities immediately. Time remains the most critical factor in bringing him home safely.
