- In 2007, Andrew Gosden, who was described by teachers as both a math and computer genius, disappeared after leaving his home Doncaster, UK.
- Andrew was last seen in the King’s Cross train station in London, having bought a single ticket even though a return ticket would have only cost 50p more.
On Friday, September 14th, 2007, Andrew Gosden, who is described by teachers as both a math and computer genius, disappeared. Andrew Gosden was, at the time of his disappearance, 5ft 3in tall, thin with light brown hair and brown eyes. He needs strong prescription glasses, and was seen last wearing black jeans and T-shirt. The morning of his disappearance, he was seen leaving his home at approximately 8:30 AM, heading towards Westfield Park. Instead of catching the bus to school that morning from his home in Doncaster, South Yorkshire though, he returned home after his parents had left for work.
There, he changed out of his school uniform, hung his blazer on a bedroom chair and put his shirt and pants into the washing machine. From there, he walked to a local store wearing a T-shirt, jeans and sneakers, and withdrew £200 from his savings account at an ATM.
The Disappearance of Andrew Gosden
Afterwards, he headed for the train station, where he bought a one-way ticket to the capital. The account from which he withdrew his funds hasn’t been accessed since his disappearance, though his parents have deposited more money in the event that he ever tries to access it again.
The ticket-seller recounted how Andrew had insisted on a single ticket, even though a return ticket would have only cost 50p or £1 more. A passenger on the 9.35am train from Doncaster to London train recalled sitting next to a boy who matched Andrew's description to T. The passenger recalled how quietly he sat, completely engrossed in his video game console.
Andrew’s last confirmed sighting was on the day of his disappearance around 11:20 AM, on a CCTV camera positioned just outside of King’s Cross station in London. It is theorized that he met someone close to the station, and that is why he isn’t seen on an other CCTV camera in the area.
He was caught on CCTV leaving the King's Cross station at 11.20am.
Andrew’s disappearance has been especially hard on his father, leading to a failed suicide attempt and a plunge into severe depression which caused him to leave his job as a speech therapist. The rest of his family refuses to give up hope that he is alive. His parents have written an open letter to him, pleading for him to come back.
It begins: "We have all missed you so much since the day you left. Not a day goes by that you are not in our minds constantly. If you should ever read this, forget about any water under the bridge and please have no fear about making contact with us... we only want to know that you are safe and well."
Theories
Many theories have been put forward as to why he went to London in the first place, why he insisted on a one-way ticket, and why he withdrew £200. Some theories include that he was meeting someone close to the Kings Crossing station, that he went to London to commit suicide, or that he was simply running away. Though these theories raise more questions.
If he was running away, why didn’t he bring more clothes? If he was committing suicide, why did he bring the £200?
At the time of this article, Andrew Gosden is still missing and has not been seen, nor heard from.
If you have any information about Andrew's whereabouts, contact your local police department or his parents.
