It was supposed to be a normal Thursday evening.
13-year-old Jake Thompson, a quiet, soccer-loving teen from Cedar Hill, left practice around 6:45 PM last week — just like he always did. He said goodbye to his teammates, slung his backpack over his shoulder, and began the short walk home just five blocks away.
But he never made it.
Jake vanished without a trace.
His water bottle was found tossed near a park bench two miles away. Later, his backpack surfaced—muddy and torn—abandoned near a bike trail on the edge of town. But no phone. No sign of struggle. No known enemies. Nothing.
Now, his parents are living every parent’s worst nightmare.
“We just want our boy back,” his mother, Karen Thompson, cried during a community vigil Saturday night. “Please, if someone saw anything—anything—speak up.”
Jake is described as 5’4”, with short brown hair and wearing a navy-blue soccer jersey the day he disappeared. Surveillance footage shows him walking past a gas station at 6:52 PM, but after that, the trail goes cold.
Local police have launched a full investigation, involving K9 units, drones, and FBI assistance. But each day without answers deepens the town’s anxiety — and the family’s pain.
Online, the hashtag #FindJakeThompson has gone viral as thousands of people share Jake’s story in hopes of reaching someone who knows something. Tips are being taken anonymously.
Jake’s father, a former firefighter, made a direct plea on social media:
“If you’re out there, Jake — we love you. If someone has him, please… let our son go.”
The entire town is holding its breath.
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