British Paralympian Sam Ruddock missing in Las Vegas and last heard from over a week ago

The 35-year-old, from Warwickshire, who has competed in cycling and shot put, travelled to the US on April 13 and was planning to attend WrestleMania, his friend Lucy Earl said.

Mr Ruddock, who has cerebral palsy, was last heard from on April 16 and has since been reported missing to police in the UK and US.

Mrs Earl, who has been friends with Mr Ruddock for over 10 years, said he stayed with her the night before his flight and she last heard from him on April 16.

Mrs Earl said she contacted police and tracked down the hostel he was staying in, and was told Mr Ruddock had not checked out when he was due to or collected his belongings.

Mrs Earl described him as a “big character with lots of energy”.

She said: “Sam is very very present on social media, he’s such a passionate person about sports. He’s such an infectious person. He’s a phenomenal human being.”

Mrs Earl added: “He flew on the 13th, I’ve got confirmation that he landed, I absolutely know Sam was in Vegas, the concerning part is he went silent from the 16th and because he is such a big presence on social media people were quite fast to notice.”

Mrs Earl said she reported Mr Ruddock missing and has now started a social media campaign to try and get information.

A spokesperson for British Cycling said: “British Cycling understands that para-cyclist Sam Ruddock was reported missing to UK and US police and Interpol after not being heard from since Wednesday April 16 2025, while visiting Las Vegas, USA.

“We urge anyone who has been in contact with Sam since April 16 or may have any information of his whereabouts to contact their local police department as soon as possible.”

Lincolnshire Police confirmed it has an active missing person investigation for Mr Ruddock.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British man reported missing in Las Vegas and are in contact with the local authorities.”