Family of Redding Man Presumed to Have Drowned, Raises Over $52K for Private Search

The family of a Redding man presumed to have drowned in South Africa has launched a fundraising page to find the young man after officials called off their search.

Nicholas Upton, a 19-year-old junior at George Washington University, was studying abroad and has not been seen since he was swimming in the Eastern Cape Province on Aug. 30 around 10:30 p.m. local time.

“Local authorities in Cape Town are conducting a search and are coordinating with program representatives, his family and the U.S. Embassy. We are closely monitoring this situation and are in touch with his family. We continue to hope and pray for Nicholas’ safe return,” the University said in a statement.

Upton was with a group of 11 who went swimming around 11 p.m. last Sunday when he went missing, authorities said. The rescue was called off after an extensive investigation. The family is now launching their own private search and has created a Go Fund Me page to cover expenses.

The family wrote on the page:

“Rescue efforts were delayed due to poor conditions and possibly slow response from African authorities. Nicks parents are headed to Africa Wed. Sept 2. Please help by contributing what you can to help defray travel and possibly search and rescue costs. Thanks from the bottom of his family and friends hearts. Pray for a miracle. Help bring Nick home.”

In less than one day since setting up the page, supporters have donated over $52,000 (as of this posting) to help bring him home.

Click here to read more or to donate.

Related:

UPDATE: Redding Man Missing in South Africa Presumed to Have Drowned

Photo via Kappa Alpha Order at GWU