A Jordanian soccer player missing from Rice University has been found safe in Illinois after traveling there on his own, police say.

HOUSTON — Rabe’e Ata Juma’a Alqaq, a Jordanian soccer player who disappeared from Rice University over the weekend, has been found safe, university officials said Tuesday.

Rice University police said the 24-year-old athlete was located in Bridgeview, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, after he contacted officers himself earlier in the day. Alqaq told police he had seen news coverage reporting him missing.



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Investigators determined Alqaq traveled to the Chicago area by bus on his own. Authorities said no foul play is suspected. His reason for leaving Houston remains unclear.

RELATED: Rice U police search for Genuine Cup athlete who went missing after leaving dorm to ‘explore’

Alqaq had been in Houston to compete in the Genuine Cup, an international soccer tournament hosted at Rice University for athletes with disabilities. The event brings together participants from more than 50 countries and promotes inclusion in sports.

Rice University Police Department officials said they coordinated with law enforcement in Illinois, the Jordan Consulate of Texas and Alqaq’s soccer team to confirm his safety. They are now working with those partners to arrange his return to Houston.

The update comes after an extensive search effort that stretched across Houston.

Alqaq was reported missing after leaving his dormitory around in the early-morning hours Sunday, just hours after arriving on campus. Investigators said his suitemate reported that he packed his belongings and said he was going to explore the area.

Police expanded their search beyond Rice University into the Museum District, Texas Medical Center and West University areas, with the possibility of going statewide. Multiple agencies assisted, using both ground crews and drones.

At the time, authorities said they had no significant leads and urged the public to help locate him.

Police noted Alqaq is mobile despite having cerebral palsy, speaks only Arabic and appeared to have his cellphone turned off during the search.

Officials have not said when Alqaq is expected to return to Houston.

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