Clifton Springs community prays for Fisher student who went missing in France

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Clifton Springs community gathered in prayer for Ken Deland, the St. John Fisher University student who went missing a few weeks ago while studying abroad in Europe.

His friends and family at the prayer vigil say they have right now is hope. It was an emotional prayer service at United Methodist Church in Clifton Springs on Saturday afternoon.

Those close to Ken say they don’t know what to think but are praying he is not suffering. He’s known in the church as Kenny.

His friends and family lit candles and tied yellow hope ribbons around a tree outside the church. Kenny has been missing since November 27.

His family says they last heard from him as he was boarding a train into France and never heard from him again. The reverend of the church and some of Kenny’s close friends say they’re praying for his safety every day.

“And that’s what we hope his family gets from this is that we don’t want their hope to die,” said Rev. Brian Fellows of Clifton Springs United Methodist Church. “I believe wherever he is that all is holy and all that is sacred is with him and that it brings him comfort and peace.”

“The last time I talked to him was probably, two or three weeks before he went missing,” said Hunter, Kenny’s friend. “He forgot how to say heck in French so being the good patron I am I gave him the right word.”

Kenny’s international studies are done on December 17 and his visa expires in January. Anyone with information has been asked to call Fisher’s Office of Safety and Security at (585) 385-8025.

The family has also started a website to gather tips.