WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 25: An entrance sign near the main gate at Howard University October 25, 2021 in Washington, DC. Students have complained about mold and poor conditions in some dorm rooms and over 100 students have been staging a weeks-long protest to highlight the issues. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
After five days of uncertainty, Esube Izzy Konjit Wondwossens loved ones finally have the update theyd been waiting for. The 22-year-old Howard University student, whose disappearance sparked a search involving family and friends, has been found. And, the latest update is bringing a major sigh of relief.
Prince Georges County Police announced Saturday evening that Esube “Izzy” Wondwossen was found “in good health.” Police did not disclose where she was located, but confirmed there is no ongoing investigation. Before she was found, family and friends spent Saturday, September 19, searching an Alexandria neighborhood and handing out flyers.
As previously reported, Wondwossen was last seen on the morning of September 15. According to the Black and Missing Foundation, the 22-year-old was seen shortly before 8 a.m. after leaving the Pentagon Metro station in Arlington, Virginia. Her sister, Helina Wondwossen, said the family did not learn until three days later that Izzy had made it to the Pentagon area.
Earlier that morning, Wondwossens father had dropped her off at the Branch Avenue Metro Station around 7 a.m., believing she was heading to Howard University for her usual commute. Her family said she appeared happy and in good spirits, and nothing about the morning seemed unusual. She was later seen getting off a bus near North Beauregard Street and Reading Avenue in Alexandria. But, she never returned home or responded to calls and texts. Her family said they did not know why she had traveled to Alexandria.
Now that Wondwossen has been found in good health, her familys concerns have hopefully shifted to relief after days of uncertainty. The Howard University senior had been excited about graduating, and her loved ones previously stressed how unusual it was for her to disappear without communicating with them. Her mother, Aida Endrias, had expressed fears for her daughters safety, while her sister, Helina, repeatedly said she simply wanted to know Izzy was safe.
