Search teams expanded their range from Franklin, Massachusetts, to nearby Bellingham on Tuesday as they continued to look for any sign of a 20-year-old Duke University student who never made it home from a party over the weekend.
Michael Doherty, a 2015 Xaverian Brothers High School graduate, was last seen leaving a gathering of about 25 childhood friends on Phyllis Lane in Franklin around 1:30 a.m. Sunday.
His parents reported him missing after he didn't return home. A friend said Doherty texted his brothers asking for a ride, but it was late and they were already asleep. Doherty ultimately decided to walk roughly a mile to his home.
Tuesday evening, hundreds of people gathered at Franklin Commons for a candlelight vigil, showing support to Doherty's family. Those in attendance were asked to wear blue and white for Duke University, or their jerseys if they played a sport with Doherty.
Police searched a wooded area and stream nearby on Monday. On Tuesday, police dispatched additional resources to the search, with K9 units on land and dive teams in Mine Brook. Helicopters and drones are also participating in the search. Aerial footage showed a diver searching the marshy area behind where Doherty went missing.
Authorities also announced Tuesday that they found a shirt and shoe on one side of the water and another shoe on the opposite embankment. They said it does not appear they washed up there, based on their condition.
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Police have been interviewing people who were at the party and are asking anyone who lives nearby to check their properties.
Residents in Belligham's Maple Street area received reverse 911 calls Tuesday afternoon asking them to check their sheds after a bloodhound followed Doherty's scent through the woods at the end of Oak Street Extension in Franklin.
"Unfortunately, we don't have any news to report," Deputy Franklin police Chief James Mill said at a press briefing on Tuesday afternoon.
So far, he said a 1-mile radius from the place where Doherty was last seen has been searched.
"In several places out there it's like walking in cement," Mill said. "It's just very, very difficult terrain. It's exhausting."
He said two additional bloodhounds are being called in to assist in the search.
Doherty was wearing a blue shirt with a Nike symbol along with black pants and sneakers when he disappeared. He is described as about 5'10" tall, with brown hair and eyes. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact Franklin police at 508-528-1212.
There is no indication of foul play at this point.
Neighbors in the area say they remain hopeful but are growing increasingly concerned.
"This is not a good area to be lost in if you're lost, but they've combed it very well," said neighbor Elden Boyd.
"You just hope that nothing happened," added Brie Hall, a concerned resident. "Just a terrible, terrible tragedy."
Police said they will most likely suspend the ground and air search overnight, but plan to resume in the morning.
