Austin Tice’s Body Reportedly Found in Northern Syria After Years of Absence

Damascus, Syria – The body of American journalist Austin Tice, who went missing almost 13 years ago, has reportedly been found in a cemetery in northern Syria, sources told Sky News Arabia on Sunday. Tice, who would now be 43, was last seen in August 2012 while reporting on the Syrian civil war.

Tice, a Marine Corps captain and independent journalist, traveled to Syria in May 2012. He was detained in Damascus during the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad‘s regime. Weeks after his disappearance, a video surfaced showing him blindfolded and held by armed men, marking the last credible sighting of him.

The circumstances surrounding Tice’s reported death remain unclear. His family has been vocal in their search, with his mother, Debra Tice, expressing hope that he might still be alive. In early May, she claimed the U.S. government had knowledge of her son’s potential whereabouts.

In December 2024, then-President Biden stated he believed Tice was alive, suggesting that the U.S. was pursuing avenues to secure his release. While the regime in Syria has denied holding Tice, there have been ongoing negotiations involving U.S. officials and Syrian intermediaries, aimed at resolving hostilities and securing the release of hostages.

The State Department has not yet confirmed the identity of the remains discovered in Syria.

This report surfaces as a Qatar-led recovery operation is underway in Syria, searching for U.S. hostages missing since the rise of the Islamic State. Earlier reports have indicated that Syrian officials offered to establish a liaison office to facilitate communications regarding Tice as part of discussions for possible sanctions relief.

As the search for Tice continues, his family remains hopeful for clarity and resolution.