Search for teen who hasn’t been seen since leaving his South Carolina home
A search is underway in South Carolina for a teenager who went missing after leaving home.
Cooper Eugene Gainey was reported missing by the Lexington Police Department late Monday night. The 16-year-old hasn’t been seen since leaving his home earlier that evening, police said in a news release.
Gainey was last seen leaving his Autumn Stroll Court home at about 7 p.m., police said. That’s in Lexington, not far from the junction of U.S. 378 and U.S. 1.
There was no word if Gainey was alone when he was last seen. Police did not say if foul play was involved with his ongoing disappearance.
Police described Gainey as a 5-foot-6, 162-pound male with blond hair and blue eyes. Gainey was last seen wearing a black top, gray pants, a book bag with a shark graphic, and he also was carrying a black trash bag, according to the release.
Anyone who has seen the missing teen is asked to contact police at 803-951-4642 or ajanuchowski@lexsc.gov.
In the case of an emergency, always call 911.
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This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 8:01 AM with the headline "Search for teen who hasn’t been seen since leaving his South Carolina home."
