Johnathan Croom Missing: Father Fears Son Inspired by 'Into the Wild'
Johnathan Croom, 18, is missing, and his family fears he may be living out the scenario of his favorite book, "Into the Wild." Croom's father has asked for the public's help in locating his son and is fearful that he may not be found.
The teen went missing during a road trip to see a friend in Washington State. He was returning home to Phoenix, Arizona, when his father lost contact with him. According to reports, that friend was the last to hear from Croom, in the form of a text message in which he mentioned he was "going on an adventure."
Croom's father, David, told ABC News that he was fearful that adventure could lead to the worst for the teen. The younger Croom was enthralled with the book and film, "Into the Wild," which detailed another young man's journey into the Alaskan wilderness.
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Christopher Johnson McCandless gave away $25,000, left behind all of his possessions and cash, and then disappeared into the wilderness near Mt. McKinley. His body was found four months later by a moose hunter, and his story told by author Jon Krakauer. The book was later made into a movie, and room was fascinated by McCandless' daring journey.
Croom's car was found abandoned in southwest Oregon, with all of his cash inside. Croom's mother said it was "totally out of character" for her "super smart" son. Police announced that in addition to the money and vehicle, they found a personal ID and a book on outdoor survival tactics.
"He walked away from his car," Monica Croom told the Associated Press. "The car did not break down. It was not out of gas. There was money in the car and the car was unlocked."
"I've never felt a fear like this… it's unexplainable," David Croom told ABC. "We're talking about a kid who was obsessed with the movie. My concern is he is up there with very limited resources, not a lot of experience. Just as in that movie… he left everything behind and took off, and we just don't know what he left with."
Johnathan Croom is 6-foot-1 and weighs 140 pounds. Anyone who may have spotted Croom is asked to contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Office at (541) 440-4471.
