A Jordanian athlete who had been reported missing while attending an international soccer tournament in Houston has been located safe in Illinois. Rabe’e Ata Juma’a Alqaq, a 24-year-old competing in the Genuine Cup, was participating in the event for athletes with disabilities at Rice University.
Alqaq was last seen by his coach and teammates around midnight between Saturday and Sunday, after he mentioned he was going for a walk. Following the report of his disappearance, Rice University issued a statement confirming that he had been found in Bridgeview, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.
According to officials, Alqaq contacted the Rice University Police Department after he learned about the concern surrounding his whereabouts. He had traveled independently to the Chicago area by bus, and authorities do not suspect any foul play in his decision to leave Houston.
The police department coordinated with local law enforcement in Illinois, the Jordan Consulate of Texas, and Alqaq’s soccer team to ensure his safety. Efforts are currently underway to return him to Houston.
At this stage, the reasons behind Alqaq’s departure from Houston remain unclear.
