The family of Charleston firefighter Wesley Fairey is desperately searching for answers after he went missing during a solo trip to Indonesia earlier this month. What started as a peaceful vacation in Bali has turned into a heart-wrenching mystery, leaving his loved ones in South Carolina and across the U.S. pleading for help from the public—and from international authorities.
Family Pleads for Urgent Action
Wesley Fairey was last seen on September 1, a week before he was scheduled to return home to the United States on September 8. According to his mother, Taunya Fairey, the 39-year-old had travelled with friends to Uluwatu on August 15. But when they lost contact with him, worry quickly turned into fear.
His sister, Kim Kearns, has now become the family’s voice, speaking to the media and urging U.S. leaders to give Wesley’s case more visibility.
“Emotionally, we’re exhausted,” Kearns shared. “Some days, you can’t even form a sentence from crying. The longer we wait, the harder it becomes to find him.”
Taking the Search into Her Own Hands
Kearns, who works in the travel industry, is doing everything she can from the U.S.—reaching out to hotel owners in Bali, distributing missing person flyers, and pushing for the case to reach global media outlets like the Associated Press.
“Wes loves local culture. I don’t think he would have stayed in a hotel. I see him enjoying time in a small local community,” she said. “That’s why we need to get his photo and story in front of the locals.”
She’s even considering flying to Indonesia herself to lead the search, hire a translator, and start investigating on the ground.
Hoping for Help From U.S. Leaders
Kearns believes it’s now out of local authorities’ hands and that the case has been handed over to the U.S. State Department and Homeland Security. But with little information on what’s being done, she’s pushing for more.
“Can we access satellite data? His phone records? Credit card transactions? These might give us the clues we need,” she explained.
While she’s working nonstop, Kearns is also urging U.S. leaders to act faster. She’s reaching out to lawmakers like Senator Ted Cruz and has received acknowledgment from Senator Lindsey Graham’s office, which confirmed it is aware of the case and in touch with the U.S. State Department.
A Personal Appeal to the Public—and Wesley
Through tears, Kearns shared a heartfelt message not just for those who may have seen her brother—but for Wesley himself.
“We understand if you needed space. But please, just let us know somehow. We are begging—if anyone knows anything, please share it.”
Despite being 20 years apart in age, Kearns and Wesley shared a close bond. Both studied at the College of Charleston, and she recalls fond memories of him scuba diving at the South Carolina Aquarium, where he used to volunteer.
“He’s quiet but warm. He loves nature. He loves his family. I’m saying ‘loves,’ not ‘loved.’ He’s still out there. We believe that.”
How You Can Help
The Fairey family has set up a dedicated email for tips or information related to Wesley’s disappearance. Anyone who might have seen him in Bali or has relevant details is urged to reach out to [email protected].
They’re also asking people across the world to share his photo and story to help get the attention of people in Indonesia who may have seen him.
The search for Wesley Fairey is filled with hope, love, and urgency. His family is holding on, praying that each day brings them closer to finding him. As they continue to fight for answers, they ask the public and government officials alike to stand with them. Every share, every tip, every effort can make a difference. For Wesley, for his family, and for a community desperate to bring him home safely.
