Thomas Colten Locklair found safe, 11, and Collin Ray Locklair, 8, Reported Missing from Scranton, SC—Collin Found Safe, Thomas Still Missing, Investigation Ongoing
In an unfolding tragedy that has captured the hearts of the community, the Florence County Sheriff’s Office is leading an urgent investigation into the disappearance of two young brothers, Thomas Colten Locklair, age 11, and Collin Ray Locklair, age 8, both residents of Hemlock Road, Scranton, South Carolina. The boys were last seen together at their family home around 7:30 p.m. on Monday, October 14, 2024. As news of the disappearance broke, it left a somber air across the county, with family, friends, and neighbors joining forces to assist in the search. By the early hours of October 15, 2024, a moment of relief came when it was confirmed that Collin Ray Locklair had been located and was found safe. Yet, the ordeal is far from over as the older brother, Thomas Colten Locklair, remains missing. His family, local law enforcement, and the greater community are continuing their efforts to locate the boy, whose absence has left a gaping void in the hearts of all who knew him.
According to the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, both boys were last seen in their front yard before they seemingly vanished into the night. Investigators, led by Sheriff Billy Barnes, are working tirelessly, combing through every possible lead to piece together what might have transpired. Neighbors reported seeing the boys playing together earlier in the day, noting nothing out of the ordinary. Family members described Thomas as a responsible and kind-hearted boy who often looked out for his younger brother. The sudden disappearance has shocked the close-knit community, and the absence of Thomas, in particular, has left many in a state of anxiety and heartbreak.
In the initial hours following their disappearance, law enforcement issued an Amber Alert, prompting citizens across the region to remain vigilant. Search parties were immediately dispatched, scouring nearby wooded areas, ponds, and fields. The community came together, with dozens of volunteers offering their assistance in the effort to find the missing boys. Parents, friends, and complete strangers worked alongside police, hoping that the boys would be found together, unharmed. The discovery of Collin safe and sound brought a brief sense of hope, but as the search for Thomas continues, that hope remains tenuous.
Collin, who was found not far from his home, was shaken but physically unharmed. Reports indicate that he is now safe with his family and receiving care. Despite this glimmer of good news, he has been unable to shed much light on the whereabouts of his brother. Investigators are now focusing on piecing together the events leading up to the boys’ disappearance. The Sheriff’s Office has emphasized the importance of any information from the public, urging those who may have seen something suspicious, no matter how small, to come forward. Flyers with Thomas’s image have been distributed throughout the region, and the local news media has maintained continuous coverage of the case in hopes of bringing him home safely.
The description provided by authorities states that Thomas Colten Locklair is 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing approximately 120 pounds. He has brown hair and blue eyes, with a slim build and an innocent face that reflects his youth. His family describes him as a shy, sweet boy who loves playing video games and spending time outdoors with his brother. On the day of his disappearance, Thomas was reportedly wearing a blue jacket and jeans, with his favorite red baseball cap that he never left the house without. The hat, a gift from his father, is a sentimental item that has taken on even greater importance in the wake of his disappearance.
The boys’ parents, who have been devastated by the ordeal, have publicly thanked everyone for their support and ongoing search efforts. In a tearful statement, Thomas and Collin’s mother, Marie Locklair, expressed the depth of her sorrow and fear, stating that the family is clinging to hope and praying for Thomas’s safe return. Their father, Mark Locklair, has been actively participating in the search and said that he would not rest until his son is found. Mark, who works as a mechanic at a local garage, has taken time off to be fully involved in the search effort. He described Thomas as his “pride and joy,” noting that the boys have always been close and shared a special bond. Their father’s grief is palpable, and his determination to find his son is unwavering.
The disappearance of Thomas Colten Locklair has prompted an outpouring of support from across the region. Churches, schools, and local businesses have rallied together to provide food, water, and resources to the search teams. Prayer vigils have been held at local churches, with hundreds of residents gathering to pray for Thomas’s safe return. Social media has also played a crucial role, with thousands sharing posts and updates about the missing boy, hoping to reach someone who might have information. It is a race against time, and the community’s collective spirit remains strong despite the grim circumstances.
As the hours turn into days, investigators are expanding their search radius and employing every available resource. Helicopters equipped with infrared technology have been deployed to search the surrounding forested areas, while specialized K9 units are working tirelessly to track Thomas’s scent. The Sheriff’s Office has also requested assistance from the FBI, who are now involved in the case due to the critical nature of the situation. The collaboration between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies underscores the seriousness of the investigation and the determination to find Thomas.
Speculation about what could have happened to Thomas has been rampant, but authorities have remained tight-lipped about specific theories. While foul play has not been ruled out, there is currently no evidence to suggest that the boys were abducted. Instead, investigators are focusing on the possibility that Thomas may have wandered off and become lost in the dense woods surrounding their home. However, as more time passes without any significant leads, the urgency of the situation continues to grow. The entire community is on edge, waiting for any news, good or bad.
As the search for Thomas Colten Locklair continues, the Locklair family is living every parent’s worst nightmare. Their world has been turned upside down in the blink of an eye, and their pain is unimaginable. In the midst of the chaos, they have found comfort in the kindness of strangers and the tireless efforts of those working to bring their son home. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit that even in the darkest of times, people come together to help one another. The Locklair family is holding on to the hope that their son will be found and returned to them safely.
Despite the ongoing search efforts, the absence of Thomas is felt deeply by everyone involved. His laughter, his energy, and his presence are missed terribly. For now, all anyone can do is wait, hope, and pray. The search continues, and the hearts of the community remain with Thomas Colten Locklair and his family. As the investigation progresses, law enforcement has vowed to leave no stone unturned in their mission to find the missing boy and bring him home.
In closing, the Florence County Sheriff’s Office continues to urge anyone with information to contact their tip line. Time is of the essence, and every second counts in the search for Thomas. While Collin Ray Locklair is safe, the community will not rest until Thomas is found. The Locklair family has expressed their deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they have received but asks that everyone keep Thomas in their thoughts and prayers as the search for answers continues.
