‘Very loved’ agriculture teacher who vanished in Texas is found alive days later
Update, May 24: Missing agriculture teacher Craig Kettler has been found alive, according to the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office.
“Craig has made contact with his family and is no longer thought to be in danger,” Texas EquuSearch said in an update. “Texas EquuSearch is no longer involved in this case and the family requests privacy at this time. Thank you to everyone who assisted on his case and those that offered their help!”
Authorities have not said where the man was found or where he was the last several days.
Original Story:
An agriculture teacher in Texas was driving away from a youth livestock arena when he vanished, according to a local news report.
That was the evening of Thursday, May 19, KHOU reported. Now Texas EquuSearch and the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office are searching for 49-year-old Craig Kettler.
Kettler was last seen near the 600 block of County Road 351 in Alvin, about 30 miles south of Houston, according to a news release from Texas EquuSearch.
“At the time of his disappearance Craig was driving a white, 2000 Ford F-250 extended cab truck, with a camper on the bed, and the business name ‘LD Systems’ on the driver-side door and bearing license plate HHV-0744,” the nonprofit search and rescue organization said.
Alvin Independent School District confirmed Kettler, an employee of the district, has not been heard from since May 19.
“The safety and security of our students and staff is of utmost importance to Alvin ISD ... Alvin ISD has reached out to the Kettler family and has been assisting the family during this difficult time,” the district said in a statement to McClatchy News.
Those who know Kettler describe him as a “very loved” high school teacher and “one of the best Ag teachers in the state.” The teacher, also a husband and father, has also been called one of the best mentors and friends.
“This man has done so so much for AISD ag (and) FFA students,” one person shared on Facebook. “He’s a great man and does all he can to help his students.”
Kettler was last seen wearing a collared button-down shirt with blue, orange and white plaid, as seen in a photo shared by Texas EquuSearch. He has “mostly gray hair, a full beard and mustache, and has a small scar on his forehead.”
If you have seen Ketter or the white pickup truck since he went missing — or if you have any additional information — call the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office at 979-849-2441 or Texas EquuSearch at 281-309-9500.
This story was originally published May 23, 2022 at 10:23 AM with the headline "‘Very loved’ agriculture teacher who vanished in Texas is found alive days later."