Missing Towson Football Player Has Been Found: Police

TOWSON, MD — The Towson football player who disappeared last week has been found and is safe, officials said Tuesday.

Benedict "Chiz" Umunakwe, 22, was found in Georgia, according to the Towson University Office of Public Safety.

"We are so thankful that Chiz has been found safe," Towson University said in a statement Tuesday, March 23. "Thanks to all the Tigers who shared his photo and information, and to public safety agencies for their partnership in helping locate him."

Umunakwe had gone missing Monday, March 15, and his car was seen last week in North Carolina. After he disappeared, authorities said he may be in emotional distress.

"At this time, we ask for privacy for Chiz's family, friends and teammates," Towson University officials said Tuesday.

During his disappearance, Umunakwe's teammates and even Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson were among those helping on social media to share information about him in hopes of tracking him down.

PREVIOUS REPORT: While the vehicle of a missing Towson football player has been seen in North Carolina, police said Benedict "Chiz" Umunakwe remains missing.

The 22-year-old was last seen the morning of Monday, March 15, in the Towson area, officials reported.

Umunakwe's dark-blue Hyundai Sonata was spotted early last week in North Carolina, police reported Monday, March 22. The car has a New York plate.

When Umunakwe disappeared around 10 a.m. on March 15, police said he was wearing a football jersey with "21" on the back. He is 6 feet, 4 inches tall and 24o pounds and is on the Towson University football roster as a linebacker whose number is 21.

He may be in emotional distress. Anyone with information is asked to call 410-307-2020.

In the week since Umunakwe has been reported missing, officials said Towson University and the Baltimore County Police Department have partnered in the search to find him.

His teammates and football programs at other schools that compete against Towson have reportedly also shared his information on social media, as has Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who recirculated a tweet about the missing 22-year-old athlete.

pic.twitter.com/NIFjlbWgXT
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) March 17, 2021