Gina Tron
BARRE — Rune Clark, 28, has been missing for more than a month after leaving his residence, and his family is increasingly concerned.
Clark was living in a supported group home through Washington County Mental Health Services when he disappeared. Barre City Police Chief Braedon Vail said staff members reported on July 12 that Clark had walked away from the home the day before and had not returned.
“The case is an active, ongoing missing persons investigation,” Vail told The Bridge, adding that investigators have been working with Clark’s family, Washington County Mental Health Services, and others.
Candace Clark, Rune’s stepmother, told The Bridge that Rune told staff members he was going for a walk.
Since then, there has been no known activity on Rune’s cellphone or debit card, information his family said has been confirmed by law enforcement. Law enforcement is not considering his disappearance to be suspicious.
However, the absence of activity is particularly troubling to his family, Candace said.
“Rune was someone who routinely purchased energy drinks, cigarettes, candy, and other everyday items,” she said. “Going this long without any financial activity, phone activity, or confirmed contact is extremely out of character.”
Rune “lived with significant mental health challenges,” his stepmother said, which was part of the reason he was residing in the supported group-home setting.
In a Facebook post, Candace wrote, “We are living every family’s worst nightmare right now.”
She begged the public to help bring Rune home, adding that “even if you think what you saw or remember isn’t important, please say something anyway. The smallest detail could mean everything to us.”
She told The Bridge, “We need to know where he is, what happened to him, and we need the opportunity to bring him back to the people who love him.”
Rune stands 5 feet 11 inches and weighs 207 pounds. He has blonde hair.
Anyone with information about Rune’s whereabouts is asked to contact Barre City Police at 802-476-6613.
“We are still holding onto hope, while also trying to prepare our hearts for possibilities no parent should ever have to consider,” Candace told The Bridge. “More than anything, we just want Rune found. He deserves to be found, and his family deserves to bring him home.”
