A Kenyan travel nurse, John Mugo, who was on assignment in a New York hospital, has been reported missing, prompting a widespread search and rescue operation.
Mugo, who had recently started his nursing assignment, disappeared under mysterious circumstances as he was preparing to fly back to his home in Atlanta on December 24, 2023.
Family and friends have expressed deep concern over Mugo’s sudden disappearance, and an urgent appeal has been launched on social media to gather information and assistance in locating him.
The family’s plea reads, “Please help us find our brother and best friend, John Mugo, RN. John Mugo is a Travel RN. He had just started an assignment in a New York hospital. Unfortunately, we don’t know what travel agency he was with or the hospital he was posted in. John Mugo was flying home to Atlanta on the evening of Christmas Eve. He never got home. We’re very worried and concerned. His phone has been going to VM.”
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Travel nurses are typically employed by an independent nursing staffing agency instead of a by a single facility.
Assignments are usually 13 weeks in duration but could be as short as four weeks or as long as 26 weeks.
Christopher Vann, a friend and former study partner of Mugo, shared his sentiments, expressing concern for Mugo’s safety.
“John Mugo is my friend and he is a great person. We were study partners in nursing school. We would hang out and study together with Latrease and Ashley. We 4 had classmate photos taken together. I can’t help but think of his family overseas. I pray the Lord Almighty is with him and keeping him safe and sound. Love you, John.”
Angela Kennedy, another former schoolmate of Mugo, conveyed her shock and heartbreak, saying, “I am floored and heartbroken. I hope John is ok. We went to school together, and I love his Facebook posts of his travels. Sending prayers to all for his safe return.”
Multiple reports indicate that Mugo’s last known whereabouts were at the airport on December 24, as he was set to board a flight to Atlanta. However, he never arrived, and his phone has been unreachable, adding to his disappearance’s mystery.
The family has urged anyone with information to contact the Atlanta Police Department or Ben Giteaũ at 404-944-1399. The search for Mugo continues, and friends, family, and the nursing community are hopeful for his safe return.