**Concern for Team GB Paralympian Missing in Las Vegas**
Widespread concern has surfaced following the disappearance of celebrated British Paralympian Sam Ruddock, who was last heard from in Las Vegas on 16 April 2025. The 35-year-old sportsman, well-known for his appearance at both the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, travelled to the United States earlier this month to attend a high-profile wrestling event. Since then, he has not made contact with friends or family, prompting authorities in both the UK and US to launch an international search.
According to those close to Ruddock, his sudden silence has deeply troubled those who know him personally. Lucy Hatton, a close friend, described the athlete’s vanishing act as “really, really out of character,” while also noting that he had not seemed “in quite the right head space” in the days and weeks leading up to his trip. She explained to BBC reporters that Sam is normally very active on his social media accounts, making the abrupt drop in communication even more worrisome.
Ms Hatton further shared details of the days preceding his disappearance. She revealed that she personally drove Sam to the airport on 13 April before his flight to America. Ruddock had reportedly been staying at a hostel in Las Vegas, intending to take in the city’s WrestleMania spectacle. However, concern grew when friends and family were unable to reach him following the event.
Taking action, Ms Hatton and Sam’s mother, Fran Ruddock, reported his disappearance to UK police, who in turn notified Interpol and coordinated with law enforcement in the USA. Fran, who is said to be in daily contact with her son under most circumstances, has made a heartfelt appeal to anyone with information to come forward and help “piece together the gaps.”
In a further development, it is reported that staff at the hostel where Sam was staying found that he never checked out, and his belongings remain untouched in his room. This development has heightened fears concerning his whereabouts and safety.
Sam Ruddock is a highly respected figure in the Paralympic community, having competed as a sprinter at London 2012 before switching to shot put. He claimed a fifth-place finish at the European Championships two years after his first Paralympic appearance, and later secured silver at the 2016 European Championships. At the Rio 2016 Paralympics, he placed sixth in the F35 shot put category.
Continuing his ambitious career post-2016, Ruddock transitioned to Para cycling. He was selected for the British team at the Para Cycling Track World Championships in 2019 and went on to secure the world title in the C1 1000 metre Time Trial in 2022, defending his crown in Glasgow in 2023. His journey as an athlete and advocate has made him a source of inspiration for many.
Hatton described Ruddock as “a fantastic human being” with a passion for motivating young people and “inspiring the next generation” through his career and personal outreach.
British Cycling has acknowledged awareness of his disappearance. Representatives urged anyone with information about his whereabouts since 16 April, or those who may have had contact with him, to immediately reach out to their local police.
As the search continues, friends, family, and fellow athletes remain hopeful for news of Sam Ruddock’s safety. The international athletics community has rallied together, amplifying appeals and sharing information in hopes of tracing the missing athlete. For now, the circumstances surrounding his absence remain unclear, and the collective effort to locate him grows more urgent with each passing day.