The Zanesville community is coming together in a desperate search for 20-year-old Austen Grindley, who has been missing since March 14, 2026.
Grindley, described as roughly six feet tall with a thin build, was last seen in Zanesville, Ohio. His family has expressed deep concern for his safety and is asking anyone with information to come forward.
Austen Grindley has not been reported to have any issues with addiction, homelessness, or abuse.
Family members emphasize that he is a person going through a difficult time and that he is loved and cared for. “Austen Grindley is very loved,” one family member stated. “He is not homeless. He is not an addict. He is not abused. He is not a bad human being. He is a person who is going through a bad time in his life right now. We are scared for his wellbeing.”
Authorities and family members are urging anyone in the Zanesville area who may have seen Grindley to contact either the Zanesville Police Department or a member of his family immediately. “Every piece of information helps,” said a family representative. “Even the smallest detail could make a difference in finding him safely.”
An important lead in the case came when Grindley’s phone last pinged around the I-70 Underwood Ramp area. While the location provides only an approximate area with a one-mile radius, authorities are treating it as a critical clue in their search efforts.
Family members have specifically requested that residents along Newark Road and Adair Avenue review their security camera footage or smart door logs from March 16, between 4:45 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., to see if Grindley can be spotted during that time.
At the time he went missing, Grindley was reportedly wearing black clothing, including a hoodie that he had been seen wearing recently. Family members have shared photographs of him in hopes that the public can help identify him quickly.
Community members have expressed support and concern, with many offering prayers for Grindley’s safety and return.
One resident wrote, “Prayers for his safety and return home.” Others have shared the family’s posts widely on social media to help increase awareness.
Despite this, the family has asked the public to respect Austen’s privacy and refrain from posting speculation or unverified claims.
The family has expressed their gratitude for the support from the local community and online forums. “We still have not found Austen,” a family spokesperson said. “We want to thank everyone who has reached out to our family and helped with the search. We are grateful for the community support and the people sharing our posts to help us find him.”
Authorities continue to coordinate with local law enforcement and encourage anyone with information to act quickly.
Grindley’s family has stressed the urgency due to the worsening weather and dropping nighttime temperatures, adding that he is currently on foot and at risk.
Anyone who may have seen Austen Grindley or has information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the Zanesville Police Department or call 911 immediately. The family and community are hoping for a safe and swift reunion with their loved one.
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