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Family of missing Warren man hoping for safe return

Photo by Eric Tichy A K-9 Unit is pictured in Sherman near the site of the Blue Heron Music Festival. The search for a missing Warren County, Pa., man has entered its sixth day.

SHERMAN — Several dogs were brought in Thursday to help locate a missing Warren County, Pa., man last seen at the Blue Heron Music Festival in Sherman.

The search for 23-year-old Sven Blumquist entered its sixth day after the Warren man was last seen around 1 a.m. Saturday walking away from his campsite at the annual music festival. Several of Blumquist’s belongings were located within the Blue Heron grounds, though he has not been seen or heard since.

Conewango Township Police in Pennsylvania is leading the investigation, with officers from several agencies — including the New York State Police, Sheriff’s Office and state Forest Rangers — assisting.

Heather Burkett, Blumquist’s sister, drove from her home outside Pittsburgh when told of her brother’s disappearance. For the past several days she has taken part in search efforts to no avail.

“He pretty much just walked away,” Burkett told the newspaper on Thursday. “He heard music and wanted to go listen. He got up and went and never came back.”

Burkett said her brother looks forward to going to the music festival every year, camping at the site for the last five years. “It was his favorite music festival. He wouldn’t miss it,” she said.

Blumquist was not known to walk away for an extended time without letting someone know, Burkett said. She said police have tried to “ping” her brother’s cellphone often in order to possibly pinpoint his location.

Burkett said three backpacks brought by Blumquist to the Blue Heron were found unattended. Keys to his truck were also reportedly found with his belongings.

“We went through all of his belongings,” Burkett said. “All of the stuff he bought at Walmart right before was still sitting at the campsite. He just walked away from that.”

“We’ve got absolutely nothing (on his whereabouts),” she continued. “He’s just vanished. He’s never done anything like this before.”

Capt. Eric Balon of the New York State Police said several dogs were brought in Thursday in the ongoing search efforts. Sheriff Joe Gerace confirmed K-9 units with the Sheriff’s Office were assisting.

Also present was the State Police Dive Team, Balon said.

A message left to Conewango police was not immediately returned.

Burkett hopes someone may have seen her brother and have information on his whereabouts. She said she hopes his unique first name will help people possibly remember running into him at some point over the three-day festival.

“He’s a great person,” she said. “I just want him to be OK. He’s so smart — his mind is so brilliant. He was a Boy Scout for 10 years.”

Anyone with information regarding Blumquist is asked to call the New York State Police at 665-3114 or Conewango Township Police at 814-726-0725.

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