A father is urgently seeking assistance from the public in the search for his son, who has been missing in Austin for three weeks. Alexander Bangert, 30, was last seen on August 9, when his work truck was discovered abandoned, containing his personal belongings.
Alexander’s father, Eugene Bangert, is hopeful yet distressed. “I’m at a loss. I’m just missing my son. I believe in my heart, he’s out there somewhere, still alive,” he expressed. Describing his son as a kind and courteous individual, Eugene struggles to understand the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
Having lived in Austin for over a year at the Promesa Apartments near Vandergrift High School, Alexander’s work truck was located at the Bridge at Ribelin Ranch, approximately half a mile away from his residence. Inside the vehicle, authorities found his phone, laptop, wallet, and keys, prompting concerns from his family.
“To my knowledge, he didn’t know anybody in this apartment complex. Just for him to park up the road, why wouldn’t he just come to his own apartment complex?” Eugene pondered. The father was first alerted to his son’s absence when Alexander’s boss reached out, prompting him to check hospitals and jails in case of an emergency, but to no avail.
As the investigation progressed, police detectives searched the vicinity around the Bridge at Ribelin Ranch, discovering Alexander’s company hoodie on the other side of an apartment fence. Investigators suspect that he may have entered a nearby greenbelt, where search efforts have been intensified by Texas EquuSearch, employing drones and canines.
Eugene has taken it upon himself to continue the search, traveling from San Antonio to Austin every weekend to distribute flyers and raise awareness. “I just can’t figure out what happened to him. If he was taken, if he just ran off, or if something happened to him, I just don’t know. It’s a mystery,” he said, emphasizing his desire for anyone who might recognize his son to come forward.
Despite the passage of time, Eugene’s hope remains steadfast. “It’s just heart-wrenching, it’s empty, you know. You go to sleep at night and wonder where your kid is at. All I can do is keep praying and asking for people’s help,” he shared.
Authorities have stated that foul play is not suspected in Alexander’s case. Eugene also mentioned that accessing his son’s phone records would require judicial approval, which may not be forthcoming.
Alexander Bangert is described as 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 168 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Austin Police Department at 512-974-5000 or Texas EquuSearch at 281-309-9500. Further searches are planned for the upcoming week.
