Sleepy Hollow teen missing from SIU

An 18-year-old Southern Illinois University student from Sleepy Hollow is missing after sending his parents a letter telling them school is not for him.

Michael Wiechmann mailed a handwritten letter postmarked Monday, April 18, from Anna, Ill., to his parents, Debra and Steve Wiechmann, of Sleepy Hollow.

His parents contacted the university’s Department of Public Safety on Wednesday, Public Safety Director Todd D. Sigler said in a news release. The letter did not contain any indication of suicidal intent, his parents told police, and authorities do not suspect foul play.

Police said Michael emptied out his bank accounts before renting or purchasing camping equipment. Before spring break, Michael, who has interests in wilderness camping and rock climbing, researched areas of the Mark Twain National Forest and survival techniques, police said.

Michael is believed to be riding his blue mountain bike. He is 5-feet, 9-inches tall and weighs 135 pounds with wavy, reddish brown hair and brown eyes, the release said.

Anyone with information should call the school’s Department of Public Safety at (618) 453-3771 or via email at info@dps.siu.edu.