08/23/10: Eric Robertson, 21, Clinton, SC

Eric Robertson

Update 10/22: I am very pleased to report that Eric Robertson has been found safe!!

The Presbyterian College student missing since August was found late Thursday night (10/21/10) in Michigan. Customs and immigration officials have reported that Robertson was found trying to cross the border into Canada. It is still not known why Robertson was trying to cross the border.

Here is a link to the full article: http://www.wyff4.com/r/25474516/detail.html.



Eric's Story
Eric C. Robertson, a 21-year-old junior at Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC has not been seen since 11 p.m. on August 23.

Robertson spoke with his girlfriend at 8:30 p.m. on Monday. "She lived in Greenville," Eric's father, James, told Shelton Dutes of WCSC TV. "He had said he was just doing some laundry and would come up and see her, but he never made it," Robertson said. No one has seen or heard from the young man since then. Robertson, who is from Summerville, lives on the college's campus in Clinton, SC, and was about to start his senior year. His phone was found in his dorm room, and his car was still on campus. When no one could reach Robertson, his mother called campus police.

Law enforcement searched Robertson's dorm room and car for clues, but did not find anything suspicious. They also searched three miles of a wooded area surrounding the school in the hopes of finding the missing student. Rescue crews have also conducted a grid search near the ball fields at the college, and they have searched all campus buildings, rooftops, and the vacant homes in the immediate area. The college has sent out an e-mail alerting the entire student body and staff about Robertson's disappearance.

Eric Robertson
less than a week before
he disappeared. (WCSC).

Clinton Public Safety Director Stacy Drakeford said that the student has some medical issues, so there is concern for his safety. "We don't suspect any foul play," said Drakeford, "but this gentleman, because of his serious medical issues, has ramped this up to where we're using a coordinated effort with all the local jurisdictions in an attempt to try and locate him," Drakeford told News4's Mike McCormick.
Investigators have contacted local hospitals, but have not been able to locate Robertson.

Clinton Police, the State Law Enforcement Division, the Laurens Police Department and the Laurens County Sheriff's Office are investigating Robertson's disappearance. Clinton public safety, SLED agents, DNR, and other local agencies have been assisting in the search for the missing student.

According toWGD Today, authorities said that Robertson has mental health issues, but they were not able to elaborate further. It is unclear whether this has been confirmed. The Robertson family told WCSC that Eric Robertson had a kidney infection that caused him to have fevers.

Students at Presbyterian College say Robertson is a nice but quiet student, involved in theater and other activities.

He graduated from Summerville High School in 2007 where he was part of the marching and concert band, playing tenor drums all four years of high school. His friends say he has a musical talent. His high school band director, Leslie Gilreath, also remembers him as "a charismatic fun-loving guy, kids were very fond of." (WCSC, 8/27/10). Friends told WCSC that Robertson has three brothers who were also part of the band, and his mother lives in Summerville.

Robertson may be in the Laurens or Greenville areas. He is described as a white male, aged 21, with black hair and blue eyes and a pierced eyebrow. He is five feet, nine inches tall and weighs approximately 135 pounds. There is no description available of the clothing Robertson was wearing when he was last seen.

If you have seen Robertson or have information on his whereabouts you are asked to contact Clinton Department of Public Safety at 864-833-7510 or Crime Stoppers at 68-CRIME.

Facts of Interest:
Name/age: Eric Christie Robertson, 21
Last seen: 8/23/10, Clinton, SC
Description: 5'9", 135 pounds, black hair, blue eyes
Residence: Presbyterian College, Clinton, SC
Hometown: Summerville, SC