Timothy Hamlett, a College junior at Penn and former athlete on the University's track and field team, has been reported missing.
Hamlett was last seen by his parents on the evening of Dec. 26. The Teaneck, N.J., native is on currently leave from Penn. Philly.com reported Monday that investigators do not suspect foul play is involved. However, Hamlett’s mother and a neurologist confirmed that his behavior had changed recently as a result of overuse of athletic supplements according to CBS New York.
A missing person alert issued on Sunday indicated that Hamlett's last known location was near the George Washington Bridge in the Washington Heights Area of New York. The Port Authority police are investigating the situation on both the New Jersey and New York sides of the bridge.
Hamlett spent two years on Penn's track and field team from 2012 through 2014. Penn Athletics acknowledged in September that the junior was no longer a member of the program.
In September, the 20-year-old was charged with one count of third-degree aggravated assault and four counts of criminal mischief. The charges stemmed from a series of brick-throwing vandalism incidents involving several households that had taken place four months earlier.
Hamlett pleaded not guilty to all charges and posted $2,000 bail after turning himself in on Sept. 15 in response to an arrest warrant. Maureen Parenta of the Bergen County prosecutor’s office said that his case is awaiting a grand jury hearing. NJ.com reported that investigators do not believe this incident to be connected to his disapearence.
According to the alert, Hamlett was last seen on the day after Christmas wearing jeans, a "zip-up Adidas [jacket] with a bluish/purplish hue" and sneakers.
Anyone who has seen or has any information regarding Hamlett's whereabouts should contact authorities at (917) 686-0087 or (201) 406-6990.
Staff Writer David Cahn and Senior Sports Editor Steven Tydings contributed reporting.
This article was last updated at Dec. 31 at 2:54 p.m.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.