UPDATE: August Beckwith was found safe on December 10, 2025.
The disappearance of any individual is a deeply distressing event, particularly for their loved ones.
As August Beckwith remains missing since his disappearance on November 17, the University of Utah Department of Public Safety is providing the following update for those who have been following this case and supporting search efforts.
Immediate action and coordination with the family
From the moment August’s mother reported his disappearance, the University of Utah Police Department (UUPD) initiated a direct line of communication for her with law enforcement. Early in the investigation, Chief Safety Officer Keith Squires assigned dedicated liaisons from the U’s police department to maintain daily contact with her, providing updates and addressing any concerns she might have.
“Our department is fully committed to exhausting every available resource and ensuring all necessary actions are being taken to bring him home safely,” said Squires. “I know how heartbreaking this is for his family, and we are trying to do everything possible to help them.”
NCIC and national alerts
One of the first steps of the U’s response was to enter August’s information into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) system. This means that if August is encountered by any police officer in the United States, they will receive an immediate notification that he is missing. Officers are then instructed to contact our department directly so that we can provide further guidance and pursue next steps accordingly.
UUPD has coordinated with the Utah Department of Public Safety to ensure that any additional state or national notification systems that could further assist in locating August have been activated. This includes a Missing Endangered Person Alert from the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification issued on November 20. Unfortunately, the criteria for statewide alerts in Utah, such as an Amber or Silver Alert, did not meet the parameters necessary for this case.
Coordinated search efforts
UUPD mobilized a systematic, multi-pronged search strategy shortly after August was reported missing and have escalated efforts as additional information is reported. Police and security officers across campus are conducting thorough searches of all relevant buildings and surrounding areas. This includes targeting locations where someone could be hiding in confined spaces, ensuring no area goes unchecked. In addition, University of Utah hospital security teams are coordinating similar searches of medical facilities.
During the search efforts, UUPD has leveraged the latest technology to maximize efforts, knowing that every minute counts. Officers have used drones to scan the mountainous terrain east of the U, an area where August could potentially be located. This aerial search provides a wider view of the landscape, allowing searchers to cover ground more efficiently and identify any potential leads from above.
Knowing that close collaboration with local, state and national authorities is essential to ensuring a successful resolution of this case, the department has also been in communication with homeless services to confirm that August hasn’t already sought shelter or been spotted in any of their facilities. Additionally, UUPD has reached out to police agencies across the Salt Lake valley and the state to make them aware of the case and remain on the lookout for August.
Working together with the Salt Lake City Police Department has allowed all agencies to coordinate search efforts, investigate potential sightings and ensure every lead is followed up on. To further aid in the investigation, UUPD has utilized university surveillance cameras to examine reports of possible sightings of August. After reviewing footage, however, Squires confirms that none of these sightings correspond to him.
“Every lead is being pursued with urgency, and we will continue to follow every possible avenue in this investigation,” he said.
Help from the community
The University of Utah and greater Salt Lake community have been supportive in helping August’s mother and law enforcement search for him since his disappearance. The public can continue to help by volunteering for organized search efforts and raising awareness of his status as missing and vulnerable. If spotted, do not approach and instead call 911 immediately while keeping him in sight if possible.