Police Seek Information on Missing 19-Year-Old From Royalton

Royalton — The mother of a 19-year-old Royalton man who has been missing for more than a week is pleading for anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward.

DeAunna Claflin, of West Lebanon, said it was out of character for her son, Austin Colson, to not contact family and friends for an extended period of time. Nothing like this has ever happened before, she said.

“I am trying to stay positive, but it is really hard right now,” Claflin said. “I just want him found. I don’t care who did this or what, as long as he is found one way or the other.”

Vermont State Police are actively investigating Colson’s disappearance. He was last seen on Jan. 11 at his residence on Rainbow Street in Royalton.

State police on Friday issued an updated news release and said Colson had plans to collect scrap metal on the day he disappeared.

The small, black-framed utility trailer Colson was believed to have been using for the job was found abandoned earlier this week on Downer Road in Sharon, the release said. It was partially filled with scrap metal.

Police believe the scrap metal was collected rom places in Royalton, Sharon or the surrounding towns, according to the release.

Colson was last seen wearing jeans, Chippewa boots, a hooded camouflage jacket and a white baseball-style hat with the words “A and C Painting” on it.

The hat was one he had made for his painting business.

“He was doing really well for himself,” his mother said on Friday. He had been in a stable relationship for the past two years and was getting his GED diploma.

Colson attended Hartford High School. He is an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys fishing and camping.

Claflin has been following social media closely, looking for any sign that someone may know something that could lead to her son’s whereabouts.

He had a cellphone on him, but it died the day after he went missing, she said.

Now it just goes straight to voicemail.

The last time she saw him was around Christmastime, and Claflin said she has little insight on where her son might be.

She is trying to remain optimistic and hold out hope, but admitted that isn’t easy.

“Part of me really thinks that he is not with us anymore,” she said through tears.

Jordan Cuddemi can be reached at jcuddemi@vnews.com or 603-727-3248.