A Jordanian soccer player who disappeared from his dormitory at Rice University in Houston over the weekend was found safe in Bridgeview, Illinois on Tuesday, two days after he went missing. Police said the 24-year-old had traveled to the Chicago area by bus on his own and no foul play was suspected.
According to ABC News, Rabe'e Ata Juma'a Alqaq had arrived at the Rice University campus Saturday around 9 p.m. to participate in the Genuine Cup, a soccer tournament for players with intellectual disabilities that draws competitors from more than 53 countries. Alqaq has cerebral palsy.
Around midnight Sunday, Alqaq told his dormmates he wanted to take a walk. He missed breakfast the following morning and was not found in his room when staff checked later that day. Rice University Police Department launched a search and made contact with the Jordan Consulate of Texas, Illinois law enforcement, and Alqaq's team.
Alqaq does not speak English, according to police. He was located after he saw news reports about his disappearance and contacted the Rice University Police Department himself. Rice University said in a statement: "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."
Rice University police said they were working to bring Alqaq back to Texas. Representatives for the Genuine Cup did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
