Timothy Cunningham hasn’t been seen or heard from since Feb. 12, family members say. (Image courtesy of ABC News)
The reward for information in the case of a CDC worker gone missing has risen to $15,000, as family members say they’re working to adjust to the “new normal.”
Timothy Cunningham, an epidemiologist for the CDC, vanished with a out a trace in Atlanta nearly three weeks ago. Authorities say he left all his belongings at home, including his car. No one has seen or heard from him since his disappearance on Feb. 12.
His sister, Tiara Cunningham, told ABC News the family remains “positive and prayerful” that their loved one will turn up soon.
“… I have been trying my best to go through daily activities such as work without getting distracted,” Cunningham said via text. “But no one can really prepare you for seeing your face or your brother’s face on the news while at work.”
“So it’s a new normal that isn’t normal and many people won’t understand,” she continued.
Atlanta Police spokesperson Lisa Bender said the reward for details into Cunningham’s disappearance has climbed to $15,000, thanks to private donations as well as donations from the family. The reward was initially set at $10,000.
A GoFundMe campaign also helped raise the reward money, Cunningham’s sister said.
“The support of the public is indicative of how impactful Tim’s reach is,” Tiara Cunningham said. “He regularly participated in service events around the city. He served citizens in New York City during Hurricane Sandy and was ready to deploy to service in his capacity.”
At news conference last week, Atlanta authorities said Cunningham went missing shortly after a meeting with supervisors where he was given an explanation as to why he didn’t receive a promotion. He left work soon afterward, saying that he felt unwell.
Cunningham contacted both his mother and sister that day, but hasn’t been heard from since.
“This is an extremely unusual set of circumstances,” Maj. Michael O’Connor of Atlanta PD told reporters last week.
*Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or the Atlanta Police Homicide/Adult Missing Persons Unit at 404-546-4235.*
