The dad of a young Scot who suddenly vanished during a Halloween party eight years ago has told how he doesn’t believe the family will ever find out ‘what happened to him’.
Shaun Ritchie was last seen running from a farmhouse near woodland outside Strichen, Aberdeenshire, in 2014, before disappearing without a trace.
A major missing person search - one of the largest in Police Scotland’s history - was launched, with thousands of man hours spent desperately hunting for the then 20-year-old. Despite numerous specialist resources being drafted in, including ground-penetrating radars, divers and dogs, Shaun’s whereabouts remain a mystery.
Marking the eight year anniversary on October 31, dad Charlie Reid shared a touching post on social media expressing his fears that answers will never be found. He said: “Eight years or 2922 days since Shaun disappeared. Many lives were changed forever on that night and yet still we don't know what exactly happened and where he ended up.
“Shaun could have got his life sorted out and at age 28 been married just like I did at 28. He might have had a family of his own. I might have been a grandfather.
“Never a day passes that I don't think about him and forever all those that knew him and loved him will have a piece of their heart broken. I just don't believe that we will ever find out what really happened or where he is, not now, not after 8 years.”
Charlie, who had been working abroad when his son vanished, previously told the Daily Record that he fears his son was murdered. He explained: “He has definitely not walked out of there.
“Someone has taken him out of that area and he has been murdered – that’s what I believe. But the police have to deal with facts and evidence – and until they get evidence, he’s classed as a missing person.”
Searches for Shaun, who is from Fraserburgh, included assistance from specialist air, land and water resources, with more than 200 officers covering more than 15 miles of ditches, rough terrain and large water areas.
Police also used forensic soil scientists and geoscientists in the investigation but all that was found was the missing man’s shoes, hooded top and belt.
Detective Inspector Andrew Wilson said: "We fully appreciate how hard it must be for Shaun's family with another year passing since his disappearance and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.
"Our inquiry into Shaun's disappearance remains one of the largest ever missing person operations in the history of Police Scotland. Extensive and detailed searches were conducted with assistance from every specialist air, land and water resource, with more than 200 officers covering more than 22km of ditches, rough terrain and large water areas.
"We were also assisted by the expertise of a forensic soil scientist and geoscientist, while we pursued every potential lead with thorough intelligence-led enquiries. We continue to consider all available means of investigation and will act on any new information that is provided to us.
"Anyone with even the slightest amount of information is urged to contact us on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous."
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