Sebastian Rogers Disappearance Timeline
Chronology of a Tennessee teen missing since Feb 26, 2024: AMBER Alert, extensive searches, nearly $400K reward, no confirmed sightings.
Sebastian Rogers, a 15-year-old autistic teenager, vanished from his home in Hendersonville, Tennessee, on February 26, 2024. Despite extensive searches, a $400,000 reward, and involvement from the FBI, no confirmed sightings have been reported in two years. Authorities continue to investigate, urging the public to report any information via the TBI hotline or email. Here's a breakdown of key details:
- Last Seen: February 25, 2024, at home by his mother.
- Disappearance: Left during the night, without medication, wearing black clothing.
- Search Efforts: Ground, air, and water searches within a five-mile radius.
- AMBER Alert: Issued February 27, 2024, after initial investigations suggested abduction.
- Reward: $400,000 for information leading to his location.
- Public Involvement: Community searches, private investigators, and widespread media coverage.
Investigators remain committed to solving this case, emphasizing the importance of verified information over online speculation.
Sebastian Rogers Disappearance Timeline: February 2024 to Present
Events Before the Disappearance
Family Contact Before February 25, 2024
In the days leading up to his disappearance, Sebastian kept up regular communication with his family. His father, Seth Rogers, who lived separately, stayed in touch with him. However, the specifics of their final conversation have not been shared publicly. After Sebastian went missing, Seth took swift action by hiring private investigators and appealing to FBI leadership for assistance. These interactions marked the backdrop to the events that unfolded before Sebastian's disappearance.
Final Confirmed Sighting
The last confirmed sighting of Sebastian was on Sunday evening, February 25, 2024. Katie Proudfoot, who saw him in his bedroom before heading to bed, was the last person to see him. Katie later concluded he must have left on foot during the night, as his absence was discovered the next morning, Monday, February 26, 2024.
The Kidnapping of Sebastian Rogers | Part I: The Timeline
February 26, 2024: Day of Disappearance
The events of February 26, 2024, unfolded quickly following the last sighting of Sebastian the previous evening.
Morning Timeline
That morning, Katie Proudfoot discovered that her 15-year-old son, Sebastian, was missing from their Stafford Court home in Hendersonville, TN. When she went to wake him up for school, his bedroom was empty.
"The 15-year-old was reported missing Feb. 26, 2024 by his mother, Katie Proudfoot, when she went to wake him up for school and found his bedroom empty at their Stafford Court home in Hendersonville." - Craig Shoup, Reporter, Nashville Tennessean
At the time, Chris Proudfoot, Sebastian's stepfather, was out of town on a business trip in Memphis. Katie promptly reported Sebastian missing to the Sumner County Sheriff's Office. Investigators determined that Sebastian had likely left the house on foot sometime between Sunday evening and Monday morning.
AMBER Alert Activation
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) acted quickly after Katie's report. Initially, they issued an Endangered Child Alert on the morning of February 26. This triggered an extensive search operation involving hundreds of law enforcement officers from agencies like the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Sumner County Sheriff's Office, Nashville Fire Department, and local volunteer fire departments. Search efforts included teams on the ground, in the water, and in the air.
By the afternoon of February 27, additional findings led to the alert being upgraded to a full AMBER Alert. This change reflected law enforcement's belief that Sebastian had been abducted and was in immediate danger of serious harm or death. The FBI also stepped in, offering a $50,000 reward for any information that could lead to Sebastian's location.
"The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) originally issued an Endangered Child Alert for Sebastian on the morning of Feb. 26 as multiple agencies took to the area to look for him. Based on additional investigative information developed during the search, the TBI issued an AMBER Alert for Sebastian on the afternoon of Feb. 27." - Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
Search and Investigation Efforts
First Week Search Operations
Authorities launched an extensive search within a five-mile radius of Sebastian's home in Hendersonville, involving hundreds of personnel across land, water, and air. This effort brought together the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Tennessee Highway Patrol, Nashville Fire Department, Sumner County Sheriff's Office, and local volunteer groups. Beyond the official perimeter, community volunteers extended the search, with specialized dive teams focusing on nearby waterways.
"In the early days of the investigation, a monthslong ground search for Sebastian encouraged hundreds of tips and drew the assistance of dozens of law enforcement agencies..." - Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean
After eight days of intensive searching, law enforcement shifted from physical operations to a formal investigation. With the ground search concluded, the focus turned toward following leads that emerged in the investigation.
Extended Search Activities
In the months that followed, authorities conducted targeted searches based on new tips and reports. Two private investigators, hired by Sebastian's father, Seth Rogers, worked closely with law enforcement, sharing case details and pursuing leads. Seth also expanded the search to include areas in Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, and Mississippi.
By February 2026, the reward for information about Sebastian had climbed to nearly $400,000, with $50,000 contributed by the FBI. The FBI also added Sebastian to its Most Wanted Missing Persons List as the investigation entered its second year. To keep the case in the public eye, the community adopted green ribbons - Sebastian's favorite color - as a symbol of hope and awareness.
"It's obvious that local law enforcement has been outsmarted by whoever did this, and it is time for them to let the big boys come in and do their job." - Seth Rogers, Father of Sebastian Rogers
Video Review and Tip Investigation
When field operations were scaled back, investigators turned their attention to reviewing surveillance footage and managing incoming tips. Despite combing through extensive video evidence, the TBI reported a major hurdle: no confirmed sightings of Sebastian had been made since the AMBER Alert was issued. Tips continue to be funneled through a dedicated TBI hotline (1-800-TBI-FIND) and email address (TipsToTBI@tbi.tn.gov). As of April 2024, the Sumner County Sheriff's Office stated there was no direct evidence pointing to foul play, but they emphasized that "nothing is being ruled out" as investigations remain active.
"To date, there have been no confirmed sightings of Sebastian since the issuance of the [AMBER Alert]." - Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
Current Case Status
Active AMBER Alert
As of February 26, 2026, Sebastian Rogers has been missing for two years, and his AMBER Alert is still active. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the Sumner County Sheriff's Office have maintained this case as a high priority. In a significant development, the FBI added Sebastian to its Most Wanted Missing Persons List in February 2026, underscoring the federal government's dedication to the search.
The reward for information now totals nearly $400,000. Despite this substantial incentive, public interest in the case remains strong.
Recent Law Enforcement Statements
Law enforcement continues to provide updates to keep the investigation in the public eye. Marking the second anniversary of Sebastian’s disappearance, Sumner County Sheriff Eric Craddock reiterated their commitment to solving the case. He shared:
This has been a long and difficult journey, but I want to assure the public that this investigation remains active. Our team continues to follow every lead, analyze every piece of evidence, and seek the truth about what happened to Sebastian.
Over the course of the investigation, several high-profile leads have been thoroughly examined and dismissed. For instance, a photograph from North Carolina in May 2024 was determined to be unrelated to the case. Similarly, tips involving eyeglasses found in April 2024 and a pair of pants recovered in Goodlettsville were ruled out after careful analysis. Sheriff Craddock cautioned the public about misinformation, saying:
I understand that people want answers, and I share the community's concern for Sebastian. However, I urge everyone to rely on verified information from law enforcement and not online speculation.
Authorities remain open to receiving tips and encourage the public to use official reporting channels like the TBI hotline at 1-800-TBI-FIND or the Sumner County Sheriff's Office at 615-451-3838.
Conclusion
Timeline Summary
Sebastian Rogers, a 15-year-old with autism, vanished from his home in Hendersonville, Tennessee, on February 26, 2024. He left without his essential medication, prompting an AMBER Alert and an extensive search effort spanning a five-mile radius and beyond. By June 2024, over 100 days had passed without any confirmed sightings. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation emphasized:
To date, there have been no confirmed sightings of Sebastian since the issuance of the [AMBER Alert].
Despite the involvement of federal agencies and nearly $400,000 in reward funds, the case remains unresolved. Sebastian's father, Seth Rogers, expressed his frustration:
Too much time has passed for this not to be investigated as a criminal case.
This case highlights the critical need for continued community awareness and action.
How the Public Can Help
If you have any information, please contact the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-TBI-FIND or send an email to TipsToTBI@tbi.tn.gov. Residents in Tennessee and neighboring states are urged to report any potential sightings immediately. Even small details could be the key to advancing this investigation. For updates and accurate information about Sebastian's case, visit True Crime World at https://truecrime.world, where it remains a priority on their watchlist of high-profile disappearances.
FAQs
What evidence led police to upgrade to an AMBER Alert?
Authorities escalated the case to an AMBER Alert after uncovering evidence suggesting a potential abduction. Along with the alert, they announced a $50,000 reward for any information that could help resolve the situation.
Why were there no confirmed sightings after February 26, 2024?
Since February 26, 2024, there have been no verified sightings of Sebastian Rogers. It is believed that he left his home during the night, but despite thorough searches and ongoing investigations, no fresh leads or confirmed sightings have surfaced.
What information should I include when I submit a tip?
When submitting a tip, include essential details such as the last known location, the time of the incident, a description of the individual involved, any observed behaviors, and the surrounding circumstances. If you have any potential leads or evidence - like photos, videos, or documents - be sure to share those too. The more specific and detailed your information, the easier it will be for authorities to investigate and take action.