Authorities in Illinois are searching for United Airlines worldwide sales SVP Jake Cefolia, last seen on Aug. 6 and reported missing on Aug. 8. A massive ground search in the Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve commenced on Friday, after Cefolia's car was located in the area.
"He commonly ran, we have 9- or 10-mile loop here at the forest preserve, so he's an athletic 49-year-old gentleman," said DuPage County forest preserve police chief David Peterson on Friday. "We don't know for sure he's still at the forest preserve, but at this point there's been no contact with family or friends."
No information from the ongoing search has been made public.
Prior to his position as SVP worldwide sales, Cefolia's 13-year tenure with United Airlines has included VP of sales for the Americas, VP of sales for Atlantic and Pacific and managing director of global accounts, among other roles.
An email sent on Saturday to corporate customers signed by VP sales strategy and effectiveness Glenn Hollister and VP international sales Marcel Fuchs stated the following:
"We're concerned about his well-being and have been touch with his family since [Aug. 6] to offer them our support. At the request of the family, we won't be releasing any additional details at this time. We also ask everyone to respect the family's desire for privacy.
"Additionally, we've been in touch with law enforcement and expressed our desire to do everything we can to help them as they lead the effort to find Jake.
"The entire United Sales family is united in offering our thoughts and prayers for Jake, his family and the law enforcement officers and search teams doing their best to locate him as we hope for a positive outcome to the situation."
United requested that anyone with any information that could be helpful in the search for Cefolia to contact the Elmhurst Police Department at (630) 530-3050.