Family, friends still searching for Benton City teen who vanished from party

Family and friends are asking for help in finding a Benton City teen who disappeared from a party two days ago.

Gage Mercado, 18, was last seen at a bonfire party at Horn Rapids Park on 10:30 p.m. Saturday, according social media posts. It’s unclear if he disappeared during or after the party, but he hasn’t been seen since, say officials.

The park covers more than 800 acres and five miles of Yakima River waterfront, northeast of Benton City.

After getting the report, deputies searched the area, but weren’t able to come up with any clues about the missing teen, according to a Benton County Sheriff’s Office Facebook post.

Benton County Fire District 2 searched for signs of the teen along the river bank, and Richland police used a drone to search from the air. Neither found any sign of Mercado.

They were also assisted by a volunteer search party.

Sheriff’s officials were not available Tuesday morning to provide updated information about the search.

Family and friends are using social media to ask for help finding the Kiona-Benton City High School graduate.

One of Facebook post said Mercado isn’t the type of teen to just disappear without contacting his family.

Sheriff’s investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the sheriff’s office using the non-emergency dispatch number 509-628-0333.

This story was originally published January 2, 2024 at 11:12 AM.