Worried Collinsville mother reunited with son who had been missing more than a month
A Collinsville mother who had assumed the worst after not seeing her 23-year-old son for more than a month is breathing a little easier.
Collinsville Police released multiple photos of Korey Nichols on March 20, nine days after his mother, Brandi Staroba, last saw her son stepping out of a gas station restroom.
Mother and son were reunited Monday, according to police.
A Facebook page titled “Help Bring Korey Nichols Home Safe” thanked those who assisted in the search and provided other support for the family.
“Lots of tears shed but our hearts are so happy and thankful at this time,” the post said.
Staroba said her son had been living with her and kept a small social circle, but had been on the streets for “about 10 days” prior to his disappearance. Without being specific, Staroba said Nichols was in “a bad place” and had made some “bad choices in life.” She said she had tried to get him admitted to a hospital but was turned away because he wasn’t a risk to himself or others.
Even so, Staroba said it wasn’t like her son to be out of contact with her. She said she is relieved to know that he’s safe.
“Korey declined to come home, but agreed to stay connected to let me know that he’s still alive and that he’s safe,” Staroba said. “He insists that he’s staying with a friend and that he’s safe where he is.”
