‘Extensive Ground Search’ Takes Place, $1,000 Reward Offered for Missing Whitley County, Kentucky Man

WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. (FOX 56) — Authorities continue to search for a Whitley County man they say was last seen in June.

In a Facebook post published on June 18, the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department said Justin Young, 35, was last seen around 9 p.m. on Friday, June 14, in the Devils Creek and Travis Trail areas.

On Monday, the department said law enforcement, emergency management, family and friends have conducted “several extensive ground searches” in recent weeks in areas of the U.S. national forest.

“A Kentucky National Guard helicopter and air force search was also conducted,” the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department said on Facebook. “A canine search was also conducted but yielded no results.”

Young did not have an active cellphone, bank account, credit or debit cards or a digital footprint, according to deputies.

Young’s family is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to his safe return, the department said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department at 606-549-6006 or Whitley County 911 at 606-549-6017.