New Jersey authorities are searching for a boy who reportedly withdrew $1,000 out of his savings account last Tusesday and vanished. His parents, who are desperate to find him, are hoping for his safe return after he reportedly left behind a worrisome note.
The Daily Record reports that 15-year-old Thomas Kolding was last seen on October 30 at his home in Mountain Lakes. His father, Nicolai Kolding, said the boy packed his belongings and stuffed them into a backpack, then left a note before leaving. The note, handwritten by Thomas, reportedly said he did not want to be found.
His parents felt that Thomas may have gotten too overwhelmed with school work. A bright freshman, Thomas takes honors courses in math in science at Mountain Lakes High School. His parents said they had an argument with him about his grades shortly before he disappeared.
“He is a wonderful, resourceful, and far-too-adventurous young man who we are worried about beyond words,” his mother, Aleksandra Kolding wrote on Facebook. “Please keep spreading the word and tell all to look for a very LARGE BLACK BACKPACK he has on him – I think that’s the telltale sign for those that don’t recognize him.”
My good friends Kolding’s son Thomas has gone missing from NJ since last Tuesday. Last traces had him at Penn Station. I…
Posted by Kevin Tranbarger on Monday, November 5, 2018
On Wednesday, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office shared a photo of a boy caught on surveillance camera at the Walter Rand Train Station in Camden, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, which could likely be Thomas. He was wearing dark pants, an orange and black striped shirt, and carrying a blue Adidas backpack, although his parents said he left with a black backpack.
Authorities Seeking Public Assistance in Locating Missing 15 Year Old Male from Mountain Lakes, New Jersey:Morris…
Posted by Morris County Prosecutor's Office on Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Alexsandra Kolding wrote on Facebook Wednesday that she now knows her son “is safe,” but asked for continued assistance in bringing him home.
“So we know he’s safe.East Coast. In time more can be shared.”
She also wrote that her son “walks with a purpose” and prefers to be talked to like an adult.
“He walks with a purpose, not strangely fast, but just someone who is going somewhere. He doesn’t usually chew gum but his candy vice is Jolly Ranchers. If anyone sees him (especially those unfamiliar to him) think of him and talk to him like a 25-year-old not a 15 year-old.”
Thomas’ father added that after seeing the photo and said he felt better after seeing that son looks like he is “in control.”
“We believe he is safe, but we still have a long way to go. We’re buoyed by the news. We’re heartened by it. This was a very important sighting, and it looks as though he’s in control.”
Thomas is described as a white male with brown hair and brown eyes. He weighs around 100 to 115 pounds and stands 5-feet-3-inches tall.
Anyone with any information on Thomas’ whereabout should call Mountain Lakes Police Department at (973) 334-1413.
[Feature Photo: Thomas Kolding/Family Handout]
