Jordanian athlete found after going missing upon his arrival to Rice University campus

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A foreign athlete with cerebral palsy who went missing hours after arriving at Rice University to compete in a soccer tournament was found in a suburb of Chicago on Tuesday morning, university officials said.

The video above is from a previous report.

Rabe'e Ata Juma'a Alqaq, 24, was in Houston to represent Jordan in the Genuine Cup, which features intellectually disabled athletes from 50 countries. Police said he was reported missing around 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

PREVIOUS REPORT: Jordanian athlete missing hours after arriving at Rice University campus

In a statement, the university said that Alqaq contacted the Rice University Police Department after seeing news reports that he was reported missing.



Authorities determined that he traveled to Bridgeview, a suburb of Chicago, by bus of his own accord and that no foul play is suspected.

The reason Alqaq left is unknown and will be part of the investigation if and when he returns to Houston, Rice University said.

RUPD coordinated with local authorities in Illinois, the Jordan Consulate of Texas and Rabe'e's soccer team to confirm his well-being. The department is also working with those partners to arrange his return to Houston.