EDMONDS — Tyler Christensen’s disappearance has gained attention on social media recently, even though the Edmonds-area teen has been missing for two years.
Christensen was reported missing on April 19, 2016. He was last seen walking to a church activity near Picnic Point.
The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office started receiving Facebook messages last week from people asking about Christensen, said Shari Ireton, a sheriff’s office spokeswoman. Several tips have come in every day, but they haven’t led to any discoveries, she said.
“It’s still an open investigation,” Ireton said. “If there’s anyone in the public with new information, we would love to have that.”
An article published one year ago about Christensen has been one of the most popular stories on The Daily Herald’s website since April 4. Page views have come in from all over the country, mostly through Google searches. For days it was the No. 1 item, and was still in the top 10 this week.
Fliers with Christensen’s information have been posted online and sent at least through Snohomish County since last month, which may have contributed to the public’s recent interest. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children distributed the posters. The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office did not request that action, Ireton said.
On Saturday, Christensen’s family posted an update on a “Help Find Tyler” Facebook page. They ask that people do not contact the family personally out of curiosity, as the situation is very painful. The Facebook page should be updated if any information becomes available, according to the post.
“We do not know why he left, if he is still out there, or if he is with the Lord,” the post reads. “Please pray for new information, for answers, and for continued strength.”
Christensen’s 19th birthday is in June. His DNA has been entered into federal databases for missing persons.
Detectives believe Christensen left home on his own volition, and took the Edmonds to Kingston ferry the same night. He had never run away in the past.
Christensen’s backpack was found by the High Steel Bridge near Shelton in Mason County in May 2016.
At the time he went missing, Christensen was described as being 5-foot-11 and weighing 145 pounds with light brown hair and blue eyes.
Anyone with information about Christensen’s whereabouts can call the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office anonymous tip line at 425-388-3845.
Stephanie Davey: 425-339-3192; sdavey@heraldnet.com.
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