The British Paralympian is reportedly missing in Las Vegas after being seen for more than a week.
Sam Ruddock, a native of Warwickshire who had cerebral palsy and competed in cycling and shotput, traveled to the US while planning to attend WrestleMania on April 13, his friend Lucy Earle said.
Earl, who had been friends with Ruddock for over a decade, said the 35-year-old stayed with her the night before his flight and last heard from him on April 16th.
She contacted the police and was told she had tracked down Hostel Luddock’s stay and didn’t check out whether he had or should collect his belongings.
The Paralympians have since been reported missing to police in the UK and US. Earl described him as “a big character with a lot of energy.”
She said:
“He flew on the 13th, I confirmed he had landed, I absolutely know that Sam was in Vegas. The part of the concern is that he has been silent since the 16th and people realised very quickly because he is such a big presence on social media.”
Earl said that Luddock was a “infectious” person and a “supple” person. She said she has launched a social media campaign to try to get information.
A UK Cycling spokesman said: “UK Cycling understands that paracyclist Sam Luddock has been reported missing to British and US police and Interpol while visiting Las Vegas, USA, starting Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
“We may have information about where he is to contact the local police station as soon as possible, anyone who has been in touch with Sam since April 16th.”
Lincolnshire police confirmed there is an aggressive investigation into Ruddock’s missing persons.
A spokesman for the Foreign, Federal and Development Office said, “We are supporting British families who reported missing in Las Vegas and are in contact with local governments.”
