Glendale Police seek 16-year-old Avory Thomes and 13-year-old Ian Glerum, last seen leaving Horizon Recovery facility in Glendale on Christmas Eve 2026.

Avory Thomes and Ian Glerum are more than missing persons, they're sons, friends, and young lives full of potential.

December 28, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on December 28, 2026

On Christmas Eve 2026 in Glendale, Arizona, the holiday spirit was overshadowed by the mysterious disappearance of two teens, 16-year-old Avory Thomes and 13-year-old Ian Glerum, prompting an urgent search by the police and worried families.

Now, four days later, authorities and community organizations are ramping up efforts to bring them home safely, amid fears they may have left together and could be traveling across the state.

The disappearance occurred on December 24, around 6:10 p.m., when Avory and Ian were last seen leaving Horizon Recovery Arrowhead Lakes, a residential facility near 59th Avenue and Loop 101 in Glendale.

According to reports, the boys were residents at the center, which provides support for youth in recovery.

Ian’s father, Nate Glerum, took to Facebook in a plea for help, expressing frustration with the facility’s handling of the situation.

He wrote-:

His post shows the raw emotion and urgency felt by the families, who believe the teens may still be together, possibly seeking refuge or adventure far from the facility.

Read More-: After Five Years of a Custody Battle Through COVID, We Say Goodbye to Dallas Family Court, and Celebrate With Football and Family

Avory Thomes, a 16-year-old primarily from Tucson, stands out with his tall stature at 6’3″ and weighing about 180 pounds.

He has brown hair, brown eyes, and a distinctive set of stitches on his left eyebrow, a key identifying feature that could help spot him in a crowd.

Known for his involvement in ROTC and his athletic background, Avory is described as energetic and capable, which might explain why authorities suspect he could be heading south toward Tucson or moving between locations.

What he was wearing at the time remains unknown, adding to the challenge of tracking him down.

If he’s traveling with Ian, they could be relying on each other, perhaps hitchhiking or using public transport to blend in during the busy holiday period.

Ian Glerum, just 13 and hailing from Litchfield Park, is slightly shorter at 5’10” (an updated height from initial reports) and weighs between 140 and 145 pounds.

With dirty blonde hair, brown eyes, braces, and a scar on his forehead, he also has a splint on his left pinkie finger from a recent injury, details that make him more recognizable.

Last seen in black jeans, tan Hey Dude shoes, and a dark gray half-zip sweater, Ian’s everyday attire might not stand out, but his youthful appearance and medical markers could jog someone’s memory.

His family notes that Litchfield Park is his home base, so there’s a chance he might try to return there or seek familiar surroundings in the West Valley area.

As the search enters its fifth day, communities in Glendale, Tucson, Litchfield Park, and beyond are mobilizing.

Posters are circulating online and in local spots, and rewards are on offer for credible leads.

If you’ve seen Avory or Ian, or have any information, no matter how small, please reach out immediately.

Contact the Glendale Police Department at (623) 930-3300, the Missing In America Tip Line at 1-844-MIA-LOST (available 24/7 for anonymous tips), or Nate Glerum directly at (480) 330-1126.

In a season meant for miracles, let’s hope one unfolds for these families.

Avory Thomes and Ian Glerum are more than missing persons, they’re sons, friends, and young lives full of potential.

Your eyes and shares could be the key to reuniting them with those who love them most. Stay alert, Arizona, and help bring them home.

Also Read-: Sandy Creek High Football Player Andrew Overcomes ADHD, Early Mornings, Extra Training, and Sacrifices to Achieve 1st Team All-Region Success

• Check other Articles on
• Avory Thomes
• Ian Glerum

Reshma is a content editor recognized for her ability to create engaging digital content, ensure quality, and deliver stories that connect with audiences.

Related articles

Adairsville Cracker Barrel Witness Calls Police After...

May 7, 2026

Former Berkshire Baseball Coach Steve Smetana Arrested...

May 6, 2026

Madison Academy Team Doctor Dr. Jack Walker...

May 5, 2026

Autism Mom Speaks Out After Son Is...

May 5, 2026

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Comment: Please enter your comment! Name:* Please enter your name here Email:* You have entered an incorrect email address! Please enter your email address here

Δ

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Share article

Jordan Haas, A Student-Athlete At Chatham University Passed Away At The Age of 21

- May 7, 20260 Jordan Haas a student athlete at Chatham University, passed away on Monday. He majored in psychology and was a member of the men's volleyball...Read more News

Adairsville Cracker Barrel Witness Calls Police After Man Repeatedly Slaps Toddler in Public

- May 7, 20260 A routine shopping trip at the Adairsville Cracker Barrel turned into a deeply disturbing scene recently when a local woman witnessed what she described...Read more Athlete

Edinburg High School Student-Athlete Sebastian Garcia’s Untimely passing Has Shocked Entire Community

- May 6, 20260 A student-athlete at Edinburg High School, Sebastian Garcia, passed away after a long battle with cancer. Sebastian was a member of the Edinburgh Runnin' Bobcats...Read more News

Former Berkshire Baseball Coach Steve Smetana Arrested for Rape of 12-Year-Old Girl in Parma Heights

- May 6, 20260 A former baseball coach with deep ties to the Geauga County sports community has been arrested and charged with the rape of a child,...Read more News

Madison Academy Team Doctor Dr. Jack Walker Moore Passes Away Leaving His Family!!!

- May 5, 20260 Dr. Jack Walker Moore, who practiced medicine at SportsMED and served as the team doctor for Madison Academy, passed away on Friday. Moore was...Read more