The father of Andrew Gosden, who vanished 16 years ago, has expressed his enduring grief as he commemorated what would have been his son’s 30th birthday. Andrew Gosden was last seen on December 14, 2007, when he skipped school and purchased a one-way ticket to London from King’s Cross Station.
Father Kevin Gosden opened up about the ongoing pain and his battles with depression, acknowledging that time has not made it easier to cope with the loss. Two individuals were arrested in 2021 on suspicion of kidnap in connection with Andrew’s case, but the police confirmed on Monday that there have been no significant updates in the investigation.
In a blog post, Mr Gosden revealed his ongoing struggle with anxiety and depression since Andrew’s disappearance, stating that it has been incredibly challenging to function. He shared that a miniature oak tree, which he had planted with Andrew during his childhood, has now borne fruit. He expressed gratitude to the charity Missing People, which has a “tribute tree” for individuals who have gone missing.
Reflecting on the pain shared by many families with missing loved ones, Mr Gosden wrote, “There are too many inscribed leaves on this tree, too many loved ones missed each and every day. There are too many families left bewildered, wondering, searching, hoping and praying – longing for an answer, any answer, no matter how difficult that answer could be.”
On the day of his disappearance, Andrew withdrew nearly £200 from his bank account and returned home after pretending to go to school. He changed into black jeans and his favourite T-shirt, leaving his uniform in the washing machine. Described by his family as a quiet and intelligent boy who rarely left the house without informing someone of his whereabouts, Andrew’s motive for travelling to London that day remains unknown.
Mr Gosden has previously expressed the immense difficulty of coping with Andrew’s unexplained disappearance, stating in 2017, “Andrew apparently just disappeared off the face of the Earth, and it’s psychologically impossible to deal with.”
The two men who were arrested in connection with the case had their devices seized in January 2022. Additionally, one of them was apprehended on suspicion of possessing indecent images of children. However, South Yorkshire Police confirmed that there have been no significant developments in Andrew Gosden’s case.
As the pain lingers and the search for answers continues, Mr Gosden expressed hope that awareness of Andrew’s case would lead to positive solutions in the lives of others and spare other families from enduring the daily anguish that many experiences.
The search for Andrew Gosden remains an active investigation, and anyone with information is urged to contact the authorities.

