Southern Colorado authorities say they have not ruled out foul play of a 19-year-old Tennessean missing in the San Luis Valley.
Joseph Keller, of Cleveland, Tenn., was on a cross-country road trip with friends when he went for a jog in Conejos County Thursday afternoon and has not been seen since.
“Conejos County Sheriff’s Office has been coordinating the search and investigation of Keller’s disappearance with assistance from many agencies and volunteers,” authorities said in a Tuesday news release.
“I’m hopeful that he will be found alive,” Conejos County Sheriff Howard Galvez said in a statement.
A sheriff’s office spokeswoman had said Monday that foul play was not suspected in Keller’s disappearance.
Keller was last seen west of the town of Horca, about 285 miles southwest of Denver.
Keller’s family has offered a reward for information leading to the teen’s safe return, the release said. Officials did not elaborate on the reward.
The search has included ground and air units, including an aircraft with heat and infrared sensors. Authorities say rough terrain has complicated their efforts.
Anyone with information on the teen’s whereabouts is asked to call (719) 376-6778.
Jesse Paul: 303-954-1733, jpaul@denverpost.com or twitter.com/JesseAPaul
