It has been two weeks since Patrick Braxton-Andrew of Davidson disappeared after taking a walk in a remote village in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. On Sunday afternoon, hundreds of people gathered on the Davidson Village Green to show support for him and his family.
After a moment of silence, a series of his friends, neighbors and students described him as an adventurer, foodie, volunteer, coach and athlete.
Childhood friend Elizabeth Christenbury said she is optimistic about Braxton-Andrew's return, when she expects to hear stories about his latest adventure:
“I'm so grateful to everyone working so tirelessly to bring him home, both here in town and across the country. Thank you all for being here and for staying hopeful,” Christenbury said. “Pat, it's time to come home, buddy.”
The 34-year-old Braxton-Andrew is a Spanish teacher at Woodlawn School near Davidson, a community volunteer and a Davidson College graduate. He disappeared Oct. 28 while in the village of Urique, in north central Mexico.
There's little new information about what happened to him. His family - parents Jean Braxton and Gary Andrew and brother Kerry Braxton-Andrew - met Friday with the Chihuahua governor, who pledged to keep up the search.
Longtime friend Russell Miller and Davidson Mayor Rusty Knox led off Sunday’s event in Davidson. Miller read a message to the crowd from the family, which said in part that they have been grateful for the outpouring of support from their son’s friends.
“We truly believe that all of your thoughts, prayers and actions are also reaching Patrick and help to give him the strength he needs,” the message said.
They also said people in the U.S. Embassy and Chihuahua government have told them: “This level of response has been unprecedented. So we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. And while it isn’t something we ask lightly, we thank you for giving your ongoing sopport and love until we can bring Patrick home. We love you all.”
RELATED LINKS
Nov. 8, 2018, "Family Waits As Search Continues For NC Teacher Missing In Mexico" - Listen to an interview with Braxton-Andrew’s brother and parents
A local website, News of Davidson, posted a video of the event. See below.
