Brian Sullivan's family waits, hopes for his return
written by Mark Hare
Democrat and Chronicle
(February 26, 2008) — More than seven months ago, BRIAN SULLIVAN bought something to eat at the drive-through window at a Burger King in Gates — and disappeared.
Later that day, July 8, his red 1995 Pontiac Sunfire was found nearby. The car was locked. His bank card and cell phone charger wer
e inside. There were no signs of foul play.
"People ask, 'Do you think he just took off?'" says his mom, Barbara Sullivan of Chili. "I hope he did."
The truth is, the 20-year-old's disappearance has left his family emotionally drained, frightened and not knowing what to think or even what to hope for. As a parent I can only imagine what Barb and Dan Sullivan are going through.
Of course, they hope Brian wandered off to find himself. But nothing in Brian's past would lead them to think he did.
"Brian is a very smart, creative, funny and laid-back kid," Barb says. "He had a way of making you laugh even if you were mad at him."
"If you're going to take off," Dan says, "you take your money, you take some clothes, you take your car."
Brian was a 2006 graduate of Churchville-Chili High School. He went to Monroe Community College that summer, and again in the fall of 2006 and spring of 2007. During the first two terms he had a job in the college bookstore, where he saved enough money to pay cash for his car.
The Sunfire was a concession to reality, Dan says. "He wanted a 1976 Cadillac. It was white with red leather interior." But gas would be expensive. "He said he didn't care if he couldn't (afford to) drive it," Dan says.
Brian wasn't sure where he would continue in school or what he'd study. "He was going to go somewhere else," says Dan. "He was too close to home." Nothing unusual about that.
The Sullivans have worked closely with Sheriff's Office investigators and with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which has circulated posters with Brian's photo and details of his disappearance.
"Unfortunately, we haven't received any leads or information," says Bob Russo, case manager for the center. But, he says, missing persons have been known to surface even after years.
Every morning, Barb gets up and checks the MySpace account she set up for Brian after he disappeared. She uses it to keep his friends in the loop. She hopes that somebody will see or hear something and let the family know.
Through the center, the Sullivans have communicated with other families of missing persons. It's been helpful, they say. But they wait alone.
Brian's disappearance, they say, is a complete mystery.
"He is interested in writing music," Barbara says. "He thought he'd be the next rap songwriter."
Just before he disappeared, he ordered some microphones and sound mixing equipment — which remain in unpacked boxes in his room. He's a kid with dreams. His sister Brittney Murphy says he sometimes talked of being a social worker. "He's good with people," Barbara says.
"Sometimes, I'm afraid to leave the house," Dan says, worried that he might miss a call.
Brittney (whose husband Patrick Murphy is serving in Iraq with the U.S. Army), gave birth to her first child — Kaleb William Murphy — on Feb. 16. The baby shares Brian's middle name. And his family hopes Brian will have a chance to be the doting uncle he has long wanted to be.
Please, If you see BRIAN or know where he is let him know his family is worried about him and need to hear from him. No questions asked. They miss BRIAN and love him very much and they want him home.
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