Rice University student reported missing while on spring break in Fla.

HOUSTON – A Rice University student has been reported missing in Panama Beach, Fla., officials said Tuesday.

Reny Jose, a 21-year-old mechanical engineering major, had been spending spring break with other students at a rented beach house since Saturday.

Friends said they have not seen Jose since he went for a walk around 6:30 p.m. Monday.

"Basically what we did was called investigations out," said Bay County Sheriff's Office Captain Ricky Ramie. "We have searched the beach up and down and underneath some high standing beach houses, as well as with an air unit. We've searched very thoroughly in that area for him."

The sheriff's office said Jose's clothing and personal items were found in a garbage can near the home he was renting.

According to investigators, Jose made some "out of the ordinary comments" to his friends Monday.

Authorities are searching by air and on the ground in the areas near the beach house and surrounding beaches.

If you have any information about the missing student, please contact the Rice University Police Department at 713-348-6000, the Bay County Sheriff's Office at 850-747-4700, or Crime Stoppers at 850-785-TIPS.


About the Authors:

Emmy-nominated journalist, boy mom, wife, crossfitter and recovering news anchor.