The small, tight-knit community of Hillsboro, Texas, has been thrown into a state of distress following the sudden disappearance of 15-year-old Matthew Garrett. Last seen on September 23, 2024, Matthew’s family, friends, and local authorities are now engaged in a desperate search to locate him, fearing for his safety and well-being. His family believes that he may be in need of medical attention, adding a layer of urgency to the search. The Garrett family, heartbroken and anxious, is calling on the public to assist in any way they can, as even the smallest piece of information could be the key to bringing their son home safely.
Matthew Garrett, a student at Hillsboro High School, is described by those who know him as a kind-hearted, intelligent, and determined young man with a bright future ahead of him. He is actively involved in school activities and well-liked by his peers, teachers, and neighbors. His disappearance has been nothing short of shocking to those closest to him, as there were no prior indications that he was planning to leave or that anything was amiss. This sudden departure has caused a deep sense of concern among his family and friends, particularly due to the fear that he may be in danger or in need of urgent medical care.
The Hillsboro Police Department has mobilized quickly to investigate Matthew’s disappearance, working alongside the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) to locate him as quickly as possible. His last known location was in the vicinity of his family’s home in Hillsboro, a small town located about 60 miles south of Dallas. He was last seen around 6:00 p.m. on that fateful September evening. According to his family, Matthew had no history of running away or any behavioral issues that would suggest he would vanish voluntarily, making his disappearance all the more puzzling and alarming.
Matthew is described as being approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, with a slim build, short brown hair, and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie, blue jeans, and white sneakers. The family has released these details along with a recent photograph of Matthew, hoping that someone might recognize him or recall seeing him in the area. The family, deeply distraught, has been posting on social media, pleading for any information that could lead to his safe return.
His mother, Sarah Garrett, made a heartfelt plea in an emotional video posted on social media, saying, “Matthew, if you’re out there and you can see this, please come home. We love you more than anything, and we just want to know that you’re okay. If anyone has seen him or knows anything, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, please, please let us know. We’re begging for your help.”
As the hours turn into days, the urgency of finding Matthew grows. His family is working closely with local law enforcement to organize search efforts, canvassing neighborhoods, parks, and areas around Hillsboro where he may have gone. Volunteers from the community, along with family members and friends, have come together in a remarkable show of solidarity, distributing flyers, organizing search parties, and maintaining a constant presence on social media in the hopes that their collective efforts will bring Matthew back home.
Authorities have not yet disclosed whether foul play is suspected, but they have emphasized that they are pursuing every possible lead and following up on all tips. The Hillsboro Police Department has also issued an AMBER Alert, widening the search for Matthew and enlisting the help of neighboring towns and counties. The police department’s spokesperson, Lieutenant David Williams, stated during a press conference, “We are treating Matthew’s disappearance with the utmost seriousness. Our primary focus is on finding him as quickly as possible and ensuring his safety. We encourage anyone with even the slightest bit of information to come forward. Every piece of information counts in an investigation like this.”
As the investigation progresses, Matthew’s disappearance has sparked a wave of empathy and action in Hillsboro and beyond. The Garrett family has lived in Hillsboro for nearly two decades, and they are well-known within the community. The overwhelming support from neighbors, friends, and strangers alike has provided some solace during this difficult time. Local businesses have been placing missing person flyers in their storefront windows, while schools and churches have organized prayer vigils, gathering together to offer their prayers and hopes for Matthew’s safe return.
One of the most heartwarming aspects of this tragedy has been the way in which the community has rallied around the Garrett family. Hillsboro residents, who have always prided themselves on being a close community, have offered both emotional and practical support. In addition to the volunteers helping with search efforts, several local businesses have donated food and supplies to sustain those involved in the search. Some community members have even taken time off from work to join the search parties, driven by a desire to help bring Matthew home.
Family friend Jennifer Peterson, who has known Matthew since he was a toddler, expressed her sadness and concern during an interview. “I’ve watched Matthew grow up. He’s such a sweet boy, always so respectful and kind. It’s just devastating to think that he’s out there somewhere, and we don’t know if he’s safe. We’re all doing everything we can to bring him back home where he belongs.”
As the search for Matthew enters its critical phase, law enforcement agencies are leaving no stone unturned. Investigators have been reviewing CCTV footage from local businesses and homes, searching for any clues that might indicate where Matthew may have gone. They have also conducted interviews with classmates, teachers, and neighbors in an attempt to piece together any relevant information that might lead to his whereabouts. Although no leads have yet yielded results, the police remain hopeful that a breakthrough could come at any moment.
Online, the hashtag #FindMatthewGarrett has gained momentum, with thousands of people sharing his photo and details of his disappearance. The power of social media has become an essential tool in this search, amplifying the call for help beyond Hillsboro’s borders. This digital network has provided a platform for people from all over Texas and even from neighboring states to contribute to the search by sharing Matthew’s story with their own networks.
There is hope that, as more people become aware of Matthew’s disappearance, someone might recognize him or provide information that could help bring him home safely. In similar missing person cases, public awareness has often played a pivotal role in generating crucial leads that ultimately helped locate the missing individual. The Garrett family is holding onto this hope, clinging to the belief that their son will be found and brought back to them soon.
As the hours stretch into days, the emotional toll on Matthew’s family is undeniable. His parents, Sarah and Thomas Garrett, are doing everything they can to stay strong, but the weight of uncertainty is overwhelming. Matthew’s older brother, Andrew, who has been actively involved in the search efforts, spoke candidly about the emotional rollercoaster the family has been on since Matthew went missing. “It’s like we’re living in a nightmare that we can’t wake up from,” Andrew said. “Every minute feels like an eternity, and we just want answers. We just want him home.”
The anguish of the Garrett family is palpable, but they are not alone in their pain. The entire Hillsboro community has embraced them, providing unwavering support in every possible way. It’s this collective strength and determination that is keeping the search for Matthew going strong, even as the days pass without concrete answers.
As the search continues, the Garrett family remains steadfast in their plea for help. “We’re not giving up,” Sarah Garrett said in a statement. “We believe Matthew is out there, and we are doing everything in our power to find him. Please, if you know anything, if you’ve seen anything, help us. Help us bring our son home.”
In the coming days, the search for Matthew Garrett will continue with even more vigor, with law enforcement agencies and the Hillsboro community working hand in hand to locate the missing teen. The outpouring of support, both locally and online, has been a testament to the power of community and the unwavering human spirit in the face of tragedy. Though the road ahead remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the search for Matthew will not stop until he is found.
If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Matthew Garrett, please contact the Hillsboro Police Department at 1-254-582-8406, or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.
