In a troubling and urgent development, 19-year-old Owen Tillman Kenney remains missing after last being seen early on October 31 near his campus at the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina. His disappearance has prompted an extensive search and widespread concern as authorities continue to seek answers about his whereabouts.
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Latest Verified Updates
Owen Kenney was reported missing on November 1, following his last confirmed sighting around 2 a.m. on October 31 in the area of King Street and Burns Lane in Charleston. Shortly after 3 a.m., surveillance footage confirmed that Kenney was seen alone walking onto the pedestrian walkway of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, a well-known landmark connecting downtown Charleston to Mount Pleasant. His phone last pinged in that area before losing signal.
Originally, reports suggested he was wearing a green and white Boston Celtics jersey as part of a Halloween costume, but investigators have since clarified that he was last seen in a black hooded jacket, light-colored pants, and black Nike sneakers with white soles. Kenney stands 6′1″ tall, weighs around 155 lbs, and has brown hair and blue eyes. He has tattoos on his right forearm, left shoulder, left shin, and left knee.
Authorities, including the Charleston Police Department, have been coordinating with multiple law enforcement agencies in an active and ongoing search. Specialized teams, including underwater recovery units, harbor patrol, K9 teams, and drone operators, have been deployed to comb the areas around the Ravenel Bridge and surrounding waterways.
Kenney is originally from Tinton Falls, New Jersey, and a graduate of Red Bank Catholic High School (Class of 2024). He transferred to the College of Charleston in January 2025 and was known to be active, social, and well-liked among his peers.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Owen Tillman Kenney |
| Age | 19 years old |
| Last Seen | Around 2 a.m., Oct 31, King Street & Burns Lane, Charleston, SC |
| Confirmed Location | Pedestrian walkway of Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge after 3 a.m. |
| Clothing | Black hoodie, light pants, black Nike sneakers with white soles |
| Physical Description | 6′1″, 155 lbs, brown hair, blue eyes, tattoos on arm, shoulder, shin & knee |
| Hometown | Tinton Falls, New Jersey |
| College | College of Charleston |
| Investigating Agencies | Charleston Police Dept., FBI, NJ State Police |
What Investigators and Campus Officials Are Saying
Authorities have emphasized that every possible lead is being pursued. The Charleston Police Department continues to treat the case as an active missing person investigation. Officers are reviewing surveillance footage, collecting tips, and conducting interviews with witnesses and friends who may have seen Kenney in the hours before his disappearance.
Campus safety officials at the College of Charleston stated that while the case has deeply affected the community, there is currently no indication that the disappearance poses a danger to the broader campus population. The school continues to offer counseling and support services for students.
Police have urged the public to avoid speculation online and instead focus on sharing verified information. They stress that false reports can hinder the investigation and waste valuable search resources.
Community Response and Search Efforts
The disappearance of Owen Kenney has deeply affected both Charleston residents and his hometown community in New Jersey. Students, faculty, and volunteers have participated in search efforts, distributing flyers and organizing awareness events.
The search teams have focused extensively on the Ravenel Bridge pedestrian walkway and adjacent waterways, given that this was Kenney’s last confirmed location. The area has been searched by marine patrols, divers, and drones in coordination with local and federal authorities.
The College of Charleston community has come together to support Kenney’s family and classmates. Vigils have been held on campus, and local organizations have been providing assistance to search teams and family members who have traveled from New Jersey to South Carolina to assist.
How You Can Help
Anyone with information that could assist in locating Owen Kenney is urged to contact the Charleston Police Department tip line at 843-720-2422 and ask for the on-duty Central detective.
Officials emphasize that even small details—such as noticing someone matching Owen’s description in the early hours of Halloween—could prove vital to the case. Residents and businesses near King Street, Burns Lane, and the Ravenel Bridge are encouraged to review any available security footage from the evening of October 30–31.
The public is asked not to share unverified rumors or speculation online, as this can cause confusion and slow down investigative efforts.
Why the Case of Owen Kenney Missing Is Gaining National Attention
The case has resonated across the U.S. for several reasons:
- The disappearance occurred on Halloween, a night typically associated with crowds and celebrations, raising questions about how a young student could vanish so quickly in a populated area.
- The fact that his phone last pinged on a major bridge has intensified concern for his safety and led to widespread search operations.
- The multi-agency collaboration—including local, state, and federal involvement—demonstrates the seriousness and urgency of the investigation.
- The outpouring of support from both South Carolina and New Jersey communities has shown how connected and concerned people are about the wellbeing of college students far from home.
Ongoing Efforts and Hope for Answers
As of today, the search for Owen Kenney remains ongoing. Investigators continue to analyze digital data, trace phone and social media activity, and monitor the Charleston area for new developments.
Family members have expressed deep gratitude for the volunteers and officers dedicating time and resources to finding him. They continue to hold hope that new information will emerge to bring Owen home safely.
Authorities have reaffirmed that the case remains open and active, with no evidence suggesting foul play at this time, but all possibilities remain under review.
The disappearance of Owen Kenney has touched the hearts of many across the nation. If you have any information, please reach out to authorities—your help could make the difference. Stay tuned for verified updates, and feel free to share your thoughts or information in the comments below.