Vast search underway in Ecuador to locate missing Chicago-area native, Fenwick HS alumnus

An extensive search effort is underway to locate a Chicago-area native and an alumnus of Fenwick High School who disappeared in Ecuador last week.

Greg Krupa, who has lived in the South American nation for roughly 13 years but grew up in Forest Park, was last seen in the capital city of Quito on Thursday, April 9. According to a friend, Greg went on a routine walk to the Metropolitan Park, where he often worked out, and hasn’t been seen since.

Organizers of a GoFundMe fundraiser related to his disappearance called Krupa “a big personality with an even bigger heart.” 

Search efforts have been underway since his disappearance last week.

“Since then, we have launched an extensive search party for multiple days,” the GoFundMe page stated, in part..” Please know that there is a very determined group of people here who are using every resource at their disposal to find him…”

In an update posted Tuesday, organizers said the search ended early the night prior due to rain. Search efforts were set to resume, with crews focusing on the southern quadrant of park, where the terrain is rough and steep.

“They have police, firefighters, volunteers, and mountain guides searching every area possible,” organizers said.

Crews are using drones, thermal imaging and Bluetooth scanners to aid in the search.