ST. GEORGE, UTAH – October 1, 2015 (Gephardt Daily) – St. George teen Macin Smith has been missing for one month as of Thursday, and his mom said she’s in her own version of hell.
Speaking exclusively to Gephardt Daily, Macin’s mom, Tracey Bratt Smith, said: “I’m feeling like I don’t like the ‘new normal’ and hoping it will go back to the ‘old normal. It’s still hard for me to accept that he’s not here and we do not know if he will be coming back. It’s a horrible feeling to be caught in limbo—my definition of hell, really.”
Keith Bratt, Macin’s uncle and Tracey Bratt Smith’s brother, lives in Canada, where the family moved from this year. He said he has five children of his own, and cannot in his wildest dreams imagine what Darrin and Tracey are going through.
“The support from everyone has been way beyond what I could ever put into words,” he said. “The support of Red Rock Search and Rescue, and the people of St. George in particular. I think all things in time move on, but my family will continue to search for Macin until he is found. I remember talking with my mom in Campbell River, British Columbia, when Macin first went missing. My family’s feeling was my sister Rachel was already heading to St. George from Alberta, and Macin would be home before her plane even landed. My mom and my sister have come and gone from St. George since.
“A month later, and my family has nothing. We have no idea where Macin is, or what has happened to Macin. This is truly a family’s worst nightmare, and I have gained so much respect, and a little understanding for anyone who has faced this trial in their life.”
Macin, 17, was last seen in the Little Valley area of St. George on the morning of September 1. He is 6’4″ and 200 lbs. with short blond hair and blue eyes.
Search efforts for Macin have been extensive, with the biggest search carried out Saturday, September 26. Early indications suggested he may have headed to Las Vegas, but no leads have proved credible yet. Macin left home without his wallet and phone and has not logged into social media since his disappearance.
This last effort was orchestrated by Red Rock Search and Rescue out of Las Vegas. RRSAR brought about 40 members and five dogs, and about 80 people total carried out the search. The local St. George Search and Rescue team had 52 person equestrian teams joining Dan Southwell, the RRSAR equestrian captain.
Candlelight vigils in St. George and Provo were held on Wednesday, September 16.
St. George Police Department Sgt. Sam Despain said the case is still active, and they are following up on leads and doing everything they can.
A GoFundMe account has been set up for Macin. Click here for more information. For more about the search efforts, search #macinsarmy or the Macin Smith Facebook page.
Anyone with more information should contact the St. George Police Department at 435. 627.4300.
