A Jordanian soccer player who disappeared while visiting Houston for the Genuine Cup, an international soccer tournament for athletes with disabilities, has been found safe in the Chicago area, according to Rice University officials.
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On Sunday, the Rice University Police Department issued a Be On the Lookout (BOLO) alert for 24-year-old Rabe’e Ata Juma’a Alqaq, who has cerebral palsy.
Alqaq was part of a Jordanian delegation of about 20 to 25 athletes staying at Rice University’s Martel College during the tournament. He was reported missing after telling teammates he was going for a walk late Saturday night but failed to return to his room and missed breakfast Sunday morning.
In an update Tuesday, Rice University said investigators determined Alqaq traveled to the Chicago area by bus of his own accord, and authorities do not suspect foul play.
University officials said the reason for his departure remains unknown and will be investigated further after he returns to Houston.
The Rice University Police Department coordinated with law enforcement agencies in Illinois, the Jordanian Consulate in Texas and Alqaq’s soccer team to confirm his well-being.
Officials are now working with those partners to arrange his return to Houston.
Rice University released the following statement:
“Rabe’e Ata Juma’a Alqaq has been found safe in Bridgeview, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. The 24-year-old Jordanian athlete, who has cerebral palsy, went missing while in Houston for the Genuine Cup, a soccer tournament for athletes with disabilities hosted at Rice University. Alqaq contacted the Rice University Police Department this morning after seeing news reports that he had been reported missing.
Authorities determined that he traveled to the Chicago area by bus of his own accord, and no foul play is suspected. The reason for his departure remains unknown and will be part of the investigation if and when he returns to Houston.
RUPD coordinated with local authorities in Illinois, the Jordan Consulate of Texas and Rabe’e’s soccer team to confirm his well-being. The department is also working with those partners to arrange his return to Houston."