HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A year after a teen diagnosed with autism vanished from his Hendersonville home, a crowd gathered to light hope in the hearts of each other.
Brad Meshell, who has a son with autism, has helped the dad of Sebastian Rogers over the year since his disappearance.
"He wasn't that kid, he loved being at home, he loved his family," said Meshell. "The what, if, why, who, when, I think those are the stabbing wounds that continue to stab you every single day."
Meshell runs a nonprofit called Jacob's Audible, which helps families with children diagnosed with autism find resources in Nashville.
He believes someone who knows what happened to the then 15-year-old. "In this day and age, walking through a neighborhood disappearing without a trace, no cameras, nobody, and then having a three to four day, five to ten-mile search."
"There comes a spot where it's like if you know something, enough is enough. Let's bring him home," said Meshell. "We need to act like this happened yesterday, that's the kind of energy and power we need to put towards this case."
The Sumner County Sheriff's office continues to investigate Sebastian's disappearance but nothing leads them to a criminal investigation.
More information about the missing teen who would now be sixteen can be found here.
Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at (Kim.Rafferty@newschannel5.com).
This is a beautiful story of chosen family, proving a father figure doesn't have to have biology in common to make a difference in a child's life. The story of De'Andre and Alex will remind you that our relationships help determine the course of our lives. And that being supportive of someone - through a meal, a shared experience or even swim lessons can make all the difference.
- Rebecca Schleicher
