Mollie Tibbetts Update: University Student Disappeared While Jogging, Desperate Search Continues

A desperate search continues for a University of Iowa student who went missing last week while jogging near her home. The UI sophomore has been identified as Mollie Tibbetts.

The girl was reported missing by her family on July 19 after she went for a jog in Brooklyn, Iowa. Tibbetts was last seen possibly wearing denim shorts and a red T-shirt, the Poweshiek County Emergency Management Agency said in a Facebook post.

Police described Tibbetts as a 5-feet-2 inches tall girl, weighing about 120 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes.

Authorities looking for Tibbetts said they are getting access to her laptop and online accounts, which could help them get more details about her whereabouts.

"It can be slow and frustrating, but it is our best hope of securing Mollie's location," wrote Emily Heaston, Tibbetts' cousin, on social media. "Law enforcement will also be repeating the neighborhood canvas near Mollie's home, jogging, and work routes... The entire community was taking part in the ground search over the last two days, so many neighbors were not at their homes at the time of the first neighborhood canvas."

"The important part of ceasing the ground search is that those residents are home and available to speak with law enforcement," she said. Heaston added that the family is "worried sick" and "desperate to get Mollie home."

Hundreds of people have scoured the area where Tibbetts was last seen. She left behind her wallet and IDs.

"good morning friends please continue to keep your eyes open for Mollie Tibbetts! She has been missing from Brooklyn, Iowa since between 10 PM on 7/18 and the morning of 7/19. If you have seen or heard anything about her please contact the Poweshiek County authorities," one social media user wrote.

Another person, who likely knew Tibbetts, wrote: "Mollie Tibbetts hasn’t been seen or heard from in nearly 24 hours. It is entirely unlike her to go off the grid like this & we are terribly worried about her. She may be in a HS athletic tshirt, denim shorts & chaco sandals. Her phone is off/dead & she’s without her car."

If people have any information about Tibbetts or her disappearance, they may contact the Poweshiek County Sheriff's Office, 641-623-5679.