UPDATE: Kentucky State Police Conduct Missing Person Investigation

***UPDATE***

HAZARD, Ky. (March 14, 2025) – On March 14, 2025, at approximately 3:02 P.M., Ryan Whitaker was located safely.

Original press release below:

HAZARD, Ky. (March 14, 2025) – On Thursday, March 13, 2025, Kentucky State Police, Post 13, Hazard, received a call in reference to a missing person investigation. Donald “Ryan” Whitaker, 38, of Hazard was reported missing by family. Through investigation it was determined that his last known location was on March 6, 2025, at the Knott County Central Gymnasium in the Hindman Community of Knott County.

Ryan Whitaker is described as a white male, standing 6’1” tall, weighing 165 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black shirt with gold sleeves with Hazard High School logo on the front and grey pants. Whitaker was last known driving a 2013 Nissan Maxima, maroon in color.

Known associates reported verbal communication with Whitaker via electronic means up until March 11, 2025. No known communication has been reported since. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Ryan Whitaker is urged to contact Kentucky State Police, Post 13, Immediately. We can be reached at 606-435-6069. This incident remains under investigation by Trooper Jody Sims.

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