UPDATE: Missing Grand Rapids Teen Found Dead

UPDATE (November 22, 5 p.m.): Sadly, according to the Grand Rapids Police Department, 16-year-old Cortez McDoner, Jr. has been found dead.

In a release, the GRPD say that McConer's body was located in a heavily wooded area near Rockford Friday afternoon.

GRPD Chief Eric Winstrom said in the release,

This is not the outcome we had hoped for. On behalf of GRPD, we send our heartfelt condolences to Cortez’s family and friends and the many in our community who will be grieving alongside them.

ORIGINAL STORY: The Grand Rapids Police Department and the Michigan State Police are hoping that the public can help them locate a teen who has been missing since October.

16-year-old Cortez McConer, Jr., has been missing since October 26, when he was last seen near the McDonald's on Courtland Dr. in Rockford.

⬇️These 22 Kids Have Gone Missing in Michigan This Year⬇️

While police say that initially, McConer disappeared because he and two of his friends were fleeing from police, they are now concerned for his safety and simply want to bring him home to his family.

In a release, Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom said,

It is possible that Cortez is actively hiding, believing he is in trouble with the police. He may be avoiding searchers. I want to be clear that our only interest is in bringing Cortez home safely.

While Cortez's two friends were found shortly after they fled, he has not been seen since.

Several police agencies including the GRPD, Michigan State Police, and Kent County Sheriff's Office have been searching for Cortez ever since. The agencies have used personnel, K9s, drones, and a helicopter to search the area around where Cortez was last seen.

Earlier this week, the Grand Rapids Police Department released a map of the area near his last known location and is asking homeowners in the area to check their sheds, covered pools, hot tubs, and any other outbuilding where they think "a person might hide".

Grand Rapids Police Department via Facebook

In a release, the GRPD asked that if you believe you see Cortez, please take a photo or video and submit it to the police.

Have You Seen Them? These 22 Michigan Kids Are Missing In 2024

These 22 kids are missing as of January 1st, 2023 here in the state of Michigan. As of January 1st, 2024, there are six kids here in Michigan that are currently missing. If you recognize or have seen any of the following children, please reach out to your local police department, or you can submit a tip here where you have seen any of the following kids.

If you recognize any of the children below, you are urged to call 911 or 1-800-843-5678,(1-800-THE-LOST).

Filed Under: Cortez McConer