The frantic search for a missing University of Utah student has taken a sinister turn after her final text message to her mother revealed she feared she was being followed.
MacKenzie 'Kenzie' Lueck, 23, was last heard from in the early hours of Monday, June 17th, after returning from a trip to Los Angeles for her grandmother's funeral. Her last known communication was a chilling text sent to her mother at 1:00 AM, stating she had landed and was "almost home," but added the alarming phrase: "I feel like I'm being followed."
According to Salt Lake City Police, Kenzie took a Lyft from the airport to a park in the city's Northgate area, approximately seven miles away. This is the last confirmed sighting of the young woman. Her phone has been switched off since that night, and all her social media accounts have fallen silent.
A Life Suddenly Interrupted
Described by friends and family as a responsible and vibrant kinesiology major, Kenzie's sudden radio silence is completely out of character. She had a promising future, working part-time as a teaching assistant and having recently accepted a full-time job offer post-graduation.
Her father, Greg Lueck, spoke to local media, his voice filled with anguish. "This is not like her at all," he stated. "She's very responsible. She texts us all the time... We're just hoping for the best but preparing for the worst."
A Community Demands Answers
As the investigation enters its critical phase, police are scouring through her financial records, phone data, and interviewing the Lyft driver. They have confirmed the driver is cooperating with the investigation and is not considered a suspect at this time.
The case has sent shockwaves through the local community and across the nation, with the hashtag #FindMacKenzie trending online. Friends have organised search parties and vigils, refusing to give up hope that she will be found safe.
Authorities are urging anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, to come forward immediately.
