University of Utah Student Got Lyft Ride From Airport; Hasn’t Been Seen Since
Jun 23, 2019, 10:20 PM | Updated: Jun 24, 2019, 3:36 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Friends and family are extremely concerned for a University of Utah student who’s been missing for a week now. They believe 23-year-old Mackenzie Lueck is in danger and they hope someone knows something that can help police find her.
Police say Lueck was supposed to fly back home, to California, Sunday for a wedding but she never got on the plane.
It’s been seven days now since anyone has heard from her and her friends say something is wrong.
“Things aren’t adding up,” said Ashley Fine. “We think she’s in danger so we need to find her.”
Ashley Fine and Kennedy Stoner stood in front of the media Sunday afternoon asking for help to find their friend and sorority sister.
“Kenzie, if you can hear this we are all worried and looking out for you,” said Stoner. “We are not able to sleep. I cannot sleep at night knowing that you’re out there. I am constantly thinking of you. Please let us know if you are safe.”
The last time anyone heard from Lueck was around 1 a.m. Monday morning after she returned to Utah from California.
“She texted her family that she landed at the airport,” said Fine. “She wouldn’t have done that if she wanted to purposefully disappear.”
Police say Lueck then got a ride from a Lyft driver to a location in North Salt Lake. They still won’t say what that location is, but say they’re confident she’s no longer there.
According to a statement from Lyft, Lueck’s route contained no irregularities and it ended at the destination she originally entered.
It said the driver continued making pickups immediately after Lueck’s ride ended.
Salt Lake City police have talked with the driver, who they said was cooperative.
They said the driver is not under investigation.
MORE: Missing woman disappeared after being dropped off in North Salt Lake
Her friends have no idea what Lueck would be doing in North Salt Lake at that time of night. They also say she missed midterms this week, which is out of character.
“For her not to reach out to me on Snapchat, Instagram or anything is very unlike her,” said Stoner. “It’s very uncommon. She’s usually in touch with me almost every day. I’m very, very concerned and worried.”
“We think time is of the essence right now,” said Fine.
Lueck’s family is from El Segundo, California. They’ve been in contact with detectives and their daughter’s friends.
“Our primary goal is to find Mackenzie and bring her home,” said Fine, reading part of the family’s statement. “Her family is grateful for the concern, prayers and tireless efforts of the Salt Lake City police and members of the community.”
Police say Mackenzie is considered a missing person and detectives are actively working on her case. They’re asking for anyone who has seen her or knows anything about her disappearance to call them at 801-799-3000.
