Northern Kentucky University student, 22, missing for nearly a week after ‘never making it to class’

A Kentucky student has been missing for nearly a week after “never making it to class” — and “concerns for their safety” are increasing more and more with each day that passes since their disappearance.

Murry “Alexis” Foust, a 22-year-old student at Northern Kentucky University, was reported missing after they were last seen on Monday, April 27, according to the Covington Police Department.

“Concerns for their safety have arisen, and your input could be crucial,” Covington police wrote in a statement.

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Murry “Alexis” Foust has been missing for nearly a week after “never making it to class.”Facebook
Foust was most recently spotted in surveillance photos walking in Latonia, carrying a bright yellow backpack and wearing a dark jacket, a t-shirt, patterned pants, and sneakers, according to images released by the department on Friday.

Foust remains missing as of Sunday, with friends urging the public to help search for the student who vanished after they “never made it to class.”

“Murry never made it to class and has been missing ever since,” close friend Charlie King wrote in a Facebook post.

“Murry’s car was found a block from their apartment in Latonia (Kenton County, Kentucky) off of Decoursey Ave. Their bag was located at NKU. The police have searched Murry’s apartment and found their cellphone,” King said.

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Foust, 22, was most recently spotted in surveillance photos walking in Latonia with a bright yellow backpack, a dark-colored jacket, a t-shirt, patterned pants, and sneakers.Covington Police Dept.
“There is not a trace of Murry anywhere, and their friends, family, and one of my best friends, who is their partner, are all very worried. At this point, it is crucial we begin spreading the word and searching for them.”

King added that Foust was in “good spirits” before they went missing, though they take medication for documented mental health disorders.

“This behavior is unheard of for Murry, and we are all panicking,” King added. “Time is of the essence, and Murry’s friends and family are so, so worried.”

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Friend Charlie King added that Foust was in “good spirits” before they went missing. They also take medication for documented mental health disorders.Facebook
NKU said in a statement to The Post that the university is cooperating with police as the search for Foust stretches into its second week.

“Northern Kentucky University is aware that one of our students, Murry (Alexis) Foust, has been reported missing,” a university spokesperson said.

“We are deeply concerned, and our thoughts are with their family, friends, and all those impacted. The Covington Police Department is leading the investigation, and we are fully cooperating and supporting their efforts. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Covington Police.”

Foust is Caucasian with black-dyed shoulder-length hair, choppy bangs, and brown eyes, according to King.

They are 5’7 and have some tattoos, including a geometric striped pattern on their elbow, a ram skull on their upper arm, and a depiction of a crucified Jesus Christ on one of their shins.

Police are urging anyone with information on Foust’s disappearance to call 911 or 859-292-2234.

Breaking: Drone Teams Flag Suspicious Object in Wooded Area Near Missing NKU Student Murry Foust’s Route

Covington, Kentucky – In a development that has intensified the search for 22-year-old Northern Kentucky University (NKU) student Murry “Alexis” Foust, investigators have confirmed that drone teams operating in coordination with EquuSearch Midwest and local authorities flagged a partially hidden object under brush in a wooded area close to Foust’s last known route. While officials have remained tight-lipped about the precise nature of the discovery, multiple sources close to the investigation indicate that the object’s location does not align with the direction Foust was expected to be heading on the evening of April 27.

Foust, a fine arts major set to graduate on May 9, was last captured on surveillance footage walking in Covington’s Latonia neighborhood around 6 p.m. that Monday. Dressed in an oversized dark jacket, dark T-shirt, loose polka-dot patterned pants, black sneakers, and carrying a yellow backpack, the student never arrived at class. Their phone was left behind in their apartment, their car was found nearby off Decoursey Avenue, and a backpack belonging to Foust was later recovered on the NKU campus. Friends and family describe a puzzling disappearance with few immediate clues.

Background on the Disappearance

Murry Foust, who uses they/them pronouns and is early in their transition, had been living in the Latonia area of Covington, just across the river from Cincinnati. As an art student, Foust was known for their creativity and close-knit circle of friends. One friend, Charlie King, expressed deep concern in public posts, noting the absence of any trace after Foust left for classes. “There is not a trace of Murry anywhere,” King wrote, highlighting the worry among loved ones, including Foust’s partner.

Covington Police Department (CPD) quickly mobilized resources. Surveillance images released publicly show Foust walking alone, providing the last visual record. Authorities have emphasized that Foust has a documented history of mental health challenges and takes medication for a related disorder, adding layers of concern for their well-being. No foul play has been officially confirmed, but the circumstances—leaving phone and other belongings behind—have raised alarms.

The search has involved multiple agencies and specialized teams. EquuSearch Midwest, a volunteer search and recovery organization affiliated with Texas EquuSearch, joined efforts at the request of CPD. Their team deployed drones for aerial sweeps and planned foot searches alongside K9 units from North Star International Search and Recovery. Water rescue teams have also been active, given the proximity to the Ohio River and local waterways. Police have urged the public not to conduct independent searches to avoid interfering with drone operations, scent tracking, and professional efforts.

The Latest Drone Development

The recent drone activity marks a potential turning point. Sources describe the flagged object as partially obscured by brush in a wooded section near Foust’s anticipated path. Its position, reportedly inconsistent with the straightforward route toward campus, has prompted further ground investigation. Officials have not released images or details, citing the ongoing nature of the probe, and have not confirmed whether the object relates directly to Foust.

This development comes as the search enters its second week. Drone technology has become invaluable in missing persons cases, offering rapid coverage of dense or inaccessible terrain that ground teams might overlook. EquuSearch’s involvement brings expertise from numerous similar operations across the Midwest and beyond. K9 teams provide complementary scent detection, while foot searches allow for closer examination of promising leads.

Community response has been heartfelt. NKU issued a statement expressing concern and offering full cooperation with police. Friends have shared photos and appeals on social media, pleading for information. Tips have poured in, with police specifically requesting footage from the Latonia area between approximately 5:45 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. on April 27.

Broader Context: Missing Persons in the Region

Foust’s case highlights ongoing challenges in locating missing adults, particularly those with mental health considerations. In Kentucky and neighboring Ohio, hundreds of missing persons reports are filed annually. High-profile cases often draw attention to systemic issues, including resource allocation for searches, public awareness, and support for at-risk individuals.

Experts note that the first 48-72 hours are critical, yet Foust’s case has extended beyond that window without resolution. Factors such as leaving personal items behind can suggest voluntary departure or distress, but the lack of communication contradicts typical patterns for someone simply choosing to disconnect. Mental health history adds complexity; individuals experiencing episodes may wander into unfamiliar or hazardous areas.

Drones have revolutionized searches by detecting heat signatures, movement, or anomalies in vegetation. In wooded or brush-heavy environments around northern Kentucky, they excel where visibility is limited. However, false positives—debris, animals, or discarded items—are common, underscoring the need for verification.

Family, Friends, and Community Impact

Those close to Foust describe them as talented, kind, and engaged with their studies. As graduation loomed, the disappearance has cast a shadow over what should have been a celebratory time. NKU’s School of the Arts community is reportedly rallying in support.

Public appeals stress compassion. While speculation abounds online, authorities caution against unverified theories that could hinder the investigation or harm the family. Rewards or structured tip lines have not been prominently announced, but CPD continues to field calls at 859-292-2234 or through 911.

Ongoing Efforts and Next Steps

As of May 5, searches remain active. Police describe a multi-faceted approach combining technology, canines, water teams, and boots on the ground. The wooded area flagged by drones will likely see intensified scrutiny, possibly including forensic analysis if items linked to Foust are recovered.

The inconsistency in direction noted by sources raises questions: Did Foust deviate intentionally or unintentionally? Was there an encounter, medical event, or environmental factor? These remain open as investigators piece together timelines from surveillance, witness accounts, and digital records.

Northern Kentucky’s terrain—mix of urban neighborhoods, riverfront, and wooded patches—presents both opportunities and challenges for searchers. Flood walls, parks, and less-developed zones near Latonia have been mentioned in community discussions as areas of focus.

A Call for Information

Anyone with information, no matter how minor, is urged to contact Covington Police. Even a partial vehicle description, unusual sighting, or tip about Foust’s plans that day could prove vital. In an era of widespread cameras and connectivity, collective vigilance often breaks cases.

Foust’s story resonates because it could affect any family. A young student stepping out for class vanishes, leaving loved ones in limbo. The drone-flagged object injects new urgency but also hope that answers may emerge soon.

As the investigation unfolds, updates from CPD and partner agencies will be closely monitored. For now, the community holds space for Foust’s safe return while supporting those tirelessly searching. Friends and family continue to express love and hope publicly, reminding everyone of the human face behind the alerts.