Dozens Gather to Search for Missing AASU Student Bryce Tarter

SAVANNAH, Ga. -- The search for a missing Armstrong Atlantic State University student drew family, friends, and even strangers out Saturday in the hope of finding some clues about where the teen might be.

Bryce Tarter, 19, was last seen leaving the AASU campus in his truck at 5:00 a.m. Sunday, headed to Guyton.

Tarter's parents were trying to stay strong as the week passed without any sign of their missing son.

"It's frustrating. You don't know whether to be sad, mad. We can't grieve we don't know where he is," said Blake Tarter, Bryce's father.

The pain of the last few days showed clearly on the faces of his family.

"We have to find him. Our lives have been on hold for a week now. The family's devastated," said Blake.

On Saturday, many folks gathered for a widespread search, starting from the Armstrong Atlantic campus, where Bryce was last seen.

"I played baseball with him my 9th grade year and I've kinda known him pretty well. We hung out a couple of times after practice, and he seemed like a pretty good kid," said Stephen Vanzant.

Not only family and friends showing their support, but also people like Patti West, who didn't know Bryce or his family until this week, came to help.

"I can't imagine exactly what they're feeling, but if it was my child or my grandson, I'd want to know," said West.

Armed with flyers, yellow ribbons and other ways to spread the word, the group was united by a common goal.

"We're praying for a good resolution today that with all these folks that have turned out, that we're going to find Bryce," said West.

Savannah-Chatham Metro Police and Georgia Southern University helped out with search efforts in the air using helicopters.

The searchers were all hoping their efforts wouldn't be in vain, but Saturday passed without turning up any further leads about what may have happened to him.

"We love you. We just want to see you again. Please come home," said Blake Tarter.

Bryce Tarter was driving a 2000 White Nissan Frontier with Maine license plate 9447 QD. Call Armstrong Atlantic State Police with any information at (912) 344-3333.

The family has set up a website: http://www.bringbrycehome.com.

Searchers gathered in prayer on Saturday at the AASU campus before they scattered to search for Bryce Tarter.