A 16-year-old West Salem High School student is the object of a search after he disappeared following a football game at the school on Friday, Sept. 16.
Salem police confirmed they are treating the case of Zack Brenneman as a missing person but provided no other details because the matter involves a juvenile.
“We do not have plans to put out any notification,” said Angela Hedrick, Salem Police Department spokeswoman. “The family has done a phenomenal job of getting the word out.”
Posters with Brenneman’s photo and basic physical description have been widely shared on social media and around the community. His family described him as 5-foot 8, about 120 pounds and last known to be wearing black jeans, a black shirt and jacket and blue shoes. Brenneman also has hair dyed a dark brown and purple color.
The family declined an interview but issued a statement to Salem Reporter on Friday.
“We greatly appreciate our local community and everything they have done for Zack,” they said in an email. “We also appreciate the hard work and dedication that Salem PD has shown towards finding Zack. We can’t give enough thanks to everyone, for sharing and posting the flyers throughout town, social media, and regions beyond our local communities.”
West Salem High School Principal Carlos Ruiz sent an email to parents and others on Monday explaining that staff had searched the campus building and continue to work with the district safety team and police. Ruiz also noted that counselors were available to students who needed support.
Hedrick said people with information about this case or Zack’s whereabouts should contact the Salem Police Department at 503-588-6123 and mention case number 22-20902. The family also has posted an email to reach them: [email protected].
Contact reporter Jordyn Brown: [email protected].
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Jordyn Brown is an Oregon journalist who formerly worked for the Eugene Register-Guard.
