By Talia Kaplan
Jerseyville, IL (KSDK) - A missing person's investigation is underway in Jersey County, Illinois.
Jared Hanna of Jerseyville has been missing for since July 2. Now many agencies, including the Jersey County Sheriff's Department and family members, are avidly searching for him.
"You just feel so lost, just helpless," said Pat New, Jared Hanna's mother.
"We are exhausted and just emotionally drained right now. I mean none of us are getting any sleep at all," said Heather Hanna, Jared's sister.
The 28-year-old single father of two young girls, ages 3 and 6, disappeared the night of July 2. Family members say this is very out of character for him.
"No reasons to believe as to why he would just up and disappear. He would never ever do that to his little girls, never. He loves them too much and they love him too much...We are very, very worried about him right now," said Heather.
"His daughters miss him terribly. They cry every night," New said.
Authorities say the truck he was driving, a 1990 GMC Sierra was found abandoned in Clinton County. It was found about 50 miles from his home in Jerseyville. Now the Jersey County Sheriff's Department, the Alton Police Department, the Centralia Police Department, and the Clinton County Sheriff's Department are investigating.
"My fears are that we may not find him alive. It has been really hot outside or he could have been picked up by the wrong person...Everything goes through my mind," New said.
Family members say he was last seen in Alton at the Big Muddy Pub and Norbs Tavern between the hours of 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. Saturday. They also say there was a possible sighting of him walking on Jolliff Bridge Road near Centralia.
Sheriff Mark Kallal with the Jersey County Sheriff's Department says there are no leads or signs of foul play that authorities are aware of at this point.
"We are checking cell phone records and things of that nature right now. With whatever little information we are getting we are running with it," Sheriff Kallal said.
Hanna is 5'7 and 195 pounds. He was last seen wearing a blue tee shirt, jeans, and tennis shoes. He has a buzz cut and a large scar on the left back of his head. Hanna's family is doing whatever they can to try and bring him home. They are handing out fliers and working closely with authorities.
"Right now we are trying to stay positive," Heather said.
"Not going to give up hope. I will be looking forever," New said.
Hanna's family dedicated a Facebook page to finding him and are planning an extensive search this Saturday. If you have any information contact the Jersey County Sheriff's Department at 618-498-6881 or the New family at 618-535-2366.
KSDK