The search for a missing University of Tennessee student has come to a reassuring end. Samuel Chugg, 17, was reported to have been found safe on Sunday, following his unaccounted absence since last Thursday. The University of Tennessee Police made the announcement, drawing a collective sigh of relief from the community and those involved in the search. The teen's safety was confirmed in a brief message that expressed gratitude for the public's role in the effort to locate the young student. "Samuel Chugg has been located and is safe. Thank you to everyone who helped spread the word, shared on social media and sent well wishes," the University of Tennessee Police Department updated.

In the days leading up to the resolution, the UT Police had appealed to the public to come instantly forward with any information that might aid in finding Chugg. He had last been seen leaving his home in West Knoxville, and his silver 2017 Toyota Yaris was spotted near the UT campus early Thursday morning, as reported by WJHL. The specifics of his discovery, however, have not been disclosed at this time.

According to WVLT, Samuel Chugg, whose description had been widely circulated in the hopes of bringing him safely home, is a slender white male with brown hair and blue eyes, standing around 5' 7" tall. He was last seen dressed in a blue hoodie and whitewashed jeans—a detail made all the more poignant by the widespread sharing of his image across social media platforms.

The vigilance of the community, catapulted by the reach of social media, demonstrates the power that collective concern harnesses to sometimes swiftly reunite families with their loved ones. The UT Police's update punctuated a weekend of worry, and no doubt serves to remind us of the connectivity that can emerge in moments of need.