The University of South Carolina and the broader Columbia community are gripped by anxiety and concern as the search continues for 18-year-old Donaven Dempsey, a freshman student who has been missing since Thursday, May 8, 2025. Columbia Police, university officials, and family members are working tirelessly to locate the young man whose sudden disappearance has sparked widespread attention and worry across the state.
According to authorities, Donaven had just returned to Columbia from his hometown of Spartanburg, South Carolina, earlier this week following a brief visit. He was last seen on the evening of May 8, shortly after arriving back in the area. Since then, neither friends, family, nor university officials have been able to reach him. His phone has reportedly gone silent, and there has been no activity on his social media or bank accounts, increasing concerns about his safety.
Donaven’s family, devastated by his disappearance, has made heartfelt public appeals for his safe return. “Donaven is a bright, loving, and responsible young man,” said his mother, visibly shaken, at a press conference on Friday. “This is completely out of character for him. He would never just vanish like this without telling someone. We are pleading with anyone who might know something—anything—to come forward.”
Columbia Police are actively investigating the case and have classified Donaven as a missing person under suspicious circumstances. Officers have canvassed the area near the university and reviewed surveillance footage from surrounding streets and businesses. Police Chief Melron Kelly stated that law enforcement is pursuing multiple leads and has not ruled out foul play.
“We are treating this case with the utmost urgency,” Chief Kelly said. “We are working closely with University of South Carolina officials and Donaven’s family. At this time, we ask the public to remain vigilant and report any information, no matter how small it may seem.”
University President Dr. Michael Amiridis issued a statement expressing deep concern and calling on the campus community to support the search. “Donaven is one of our own. His absence is felt deeply, and we are committed to doing everything we can to help bring him home. We urge anyone who might have seen or heard anything relevant to speak up. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this unimaginable time.”
Fellow students have responded by organizing search efforts and sharing flyers and messages across social media platforms. A candlelight vigil is planned for Sunday evening on the university’s Horseshoe lawn, where classmates, professors, and community members will gather in solidarity and hope.
Donaven is described as approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, with a lean build, dark curly hair, and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a gray hoodie, jeans, and white sneakers. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact the Columbia Police Department or Midlands Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.
As the days pass, the Columbia community clings to hope that Donaven Dempsey will be found safe and sound. His disappearance has brought into sharp focus the fragility of life and the strength of a community determined to find one of its own. The coming days are critical, and the support and vigilance of the public remain essential in resolving this urgent and heartbreaking case.