Parents’ fury over delay in reporting son missing

Parents Condemn Army’s Delay in Reporting Missing Soldier

A soldier’s parents have criticized the Army for failing to detect his absence for two weeks, which they claim may have endangered his life. L/Cpl Ryan Rudd, 28, was last spotted at the New Inn in Selby on 15 February during a night out and never returned to his barracks at Catterick Garrison.

Ken and Kerstin Rudd, from Pocklington, revealed they first learned of their son’s disappearance when a senior officer called on March 1st to inquire if he was home. They argued that the two-week delay significantly reduced the chances of locating him.

“It was awful,” said Kerstin Rudd. “The fact that nobody had noticed Ryan’s absence for two weeks. It was shocking, we couldn’t believe it was happening.”

Ken, a former Army member, noted that while the base has both a nominal and electronic roll call system, these checks were supposed to track soldiers’ locations. He stated that Ryan wasn’t cross-referenced for two consecutive Mondays, leaving the police two weeks behind in their search.

“For missing those two weeks and not knowing where he was, this has potentially cost my son his life,” Ken said.

Kerstin claimed the delay allowed any evidence from that night to be “washed away by the rain or other factors.” The couple expressed hope that discussing the incident might trigger a memory. “If anyone in Selby was present that night and hadn’t heard of Ryan’s disappearance, even the smallest detail could aid the police in uncovering the truth,” Kerstin noted.

They insisted their son wouldn’t have left on his own, stating, “It’s not like him,” Ken said. “As a soldier, he’s always been adventurous, but he always returns home.” Kerstin added, “He had no reason to vanish and was enjoying his time in the Army.”

North Yorkshire Police stated they remain open-minded about Ryan’s disappearance but acknowledged the possibility he entered the River Ouse. The Army released a statement: “Lance Corporal Ryan Rudd was reported missing to North Yorkshire Police on March 1, 2026. An investigation is ongoing, with the police leading the effort. Further details are not yet available.”