Abebe Bikila 1960, 64& Feyisa Lilesa 2016

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Tuesday, July 29, 2014

3 of 4 missing Ethiopian athletes located | Local | KMTR









EUGENE, Ore. - Three of the 4 track and field athletes from Ethiopia who were reported missing Saturday after competing in the IAAF World Junior Championships in Eugene have been found in Beaverton.

Police said Amanuel Abebe Atibeha, 17; Dureti Edao, 18; Meaza Kebede, 18, were safe, unharmed, and staying with acquaintances.

A missing persons case is still active for 18-year-old Zeyituna Mohammed.

The four departed the meet earlier than expected and are reportedly visiting family friends in the Portland area, UOPD said.

The University of Oregon was the host venue for the track meet. Because the athletes were reported missing from campus property, UOPD has jurisdiction for the missing person situation.

UOPD said it has not been able to confirm that the group is safe and secure.

Police are treating the situation as a missing persons case. The University of Oregon Police Department is leading the investigation, in coordination with local, state and federal officials.

There has been speculation that the group may seek asylum in the U.S., but that has not been confirmed, UOPD said.

To close the missing persons case, law enforcement is asking the athletes to identify themselves to a police department or government agency, and to confirm that they are safe and here by choice.

The group is in the country legally and may continue to be here per the terms of their visas, UOPD said.

UOPD asked anyone who can help police confirm the location and safety of the four athletes to call (541) 346-2919.