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Missing Clay teen had threatening messages sent to him on Snapchat

A college-bound teenager from Clay County has been missing for more than a week.

Ethan Gorden’s family told Action News Jax he left his wallet at home and his phone has been silent since.

Gorden, 19, is known for his caring heart and infectious smile. Gorden's mother, Maddie Gorden, told us her son disappeared from their home August 27.

He stands 6’3” and 160 pounds. He has brown hair, blue eyes and one tattoo.

She said he got about 30 threatening Snapchat message before he disappeared.

Maddie Gorden said the messages said things like, “I’m going to kill you,” “you are a piece of crap,” and “I’m going to get you.”

She said authorities were alerted, but nothing was done. Action News Jax has reached out to the Clay County Sherriff’s Office to learn more about the situation.

Maddie Gorden said eight days ago she said “I love you” to her son before going to bed, and he said the same, but told his mom he wanted to finish the movie he was watching. Gorden said she woke up out of a dead sleep that Sunday morning to find her home empty.

“Somebody has to know something. Somebody has to see his car, him, something,” she said.

On August 27, Ethan vanished along with his cellphone and car, but his wallet, clothes and personal items were still at home. Gorden said the last place his phone pinged was in Middleburg, where the alleged man who sent these messages lives.

His car is a 2003 Saturn Ion with Florida plates with the Miami Dolphins on it. The family is also pushing his story out on social media using #FindingEthan and #BringEthanHome.

After going to the police, she told us Gorden's phone showed up on her back porch smashed.

This mom said she just wants answers and she wants to find her son.

“He’s had no contact with nobody – absolutely nobody no cellphone, no text, no social media. He’s been on nothing,” Gorden said.

Family members are posting flyers and are asking anyone with information about Ethan Gorden’s whereabouts or car to call 911 immediately.