AMMAN, Jordan — Travis Timmerman, a 29-year-old Missouri man missing for months, has been found and released from captivity in Syria following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad.
U.S. military forces transported Timmerman to Jordan on Friday, December 13, 2024, marking the end of a harrowing ordeal that began with his unexpected crossing into Syria earlier this year.
“It feels pretty great! Praise the Lord!” said Timmerman’s sister, Pixie Rogers, after learning of her brother’s release.
“My whole family and I love him so much and are happy to know we are going to see him soon.”
A Shocking Discovery
Timmerman, of Urbana, Missouri, vanished in May while traveling in Eastern Europe.
His family lost contact after he had reportedly been studying scripture and exploring his faith in countries such as the Czech Republic and Hungary.
His disappearance prompted Missouri law enforcement and Hungarian authorities to issue a missing persons report.
It wasn’t until Thursday, when footage from Syria showed Timmerman among recently freed detainees, that his whereabouts became known.
Some initially misidentified him as Austin Tice, a missing American journalist, before Timmerman’s family confirmed his identity.
Timmerman told reporters he had been arrested by Syrian officials earlier this year after entering the country on foot without a visa.
“I was in prison for seven months,” Timmerman said. “But it’s been OK. I am on a pilgrimage, and that’s when I was arrested.”
Captivity and Release
Timmerman said he was held in Damascus, where authorities investigated whether he was involved in political activities.
Once cleared, he remained in detention until the Assad regime fell to rebel forces this week. Thousands of detainees, including Timmerman, were freed in the aftermath.
He described surviving in prison without abuse and finding refuge in an abandoned apartment after his release.
“It’s a miracle,” said Don Kelderhouse, Timmerman’s pastor in Missouri.
“The fact that we think that he hasn’t been abused, that’s another miracle.”
Family Relief
Timmerman’s family expressed a mixture of relief and disbelief upon learning of his survival.
His mother, Stacey Collins Gardiner, described the emotional toll of his absence and her joy at his safe return.
“I had happy tears,” she said. “It was a relief to find out he was still alive because he’s my baby.”
The ordeal also puzzled his family, who had no indication he planned to venture into a conflict zone.
“I’m not sure what his thinking was in that,” his sister said. “I wouldn’t think he’d do something like that.”
A New Chapter
As Timmerman prepares to return home, questions remain about his motivations and experiences during his journey.
His case highlights the unpredictable and dangerous situations Americans can encounter abroad, especially in regions of conflict.
For now, his family is focused on reuniting and helping him recover from his ordeal.
“We love him and can’t wait to see him,” Rogers said.
For one Missouri family, however, the focus remains on the miracle of their loved one’s safe return.
