Missing Auburn basketball player found

Katie Stallcup and Mike Szvetitz
Staff Writers
Published: September 30, 2008

An Auburn University basketball player reported missing was found Tuesday night, Auburn police Assistant Chief Tommy Dawson said.

Dawson said Sierra “CeCe” Sims, of Brentwood, Tenn., was safe and with her parents, who flew to Auburn Tuesday.

She was not harmed in any way, he said.

The case is under investigation, he said.
Dawson would not release any additional information Tuesday night.

Friends reported Sims missing after she failed to show up to class Tuesday, he said.

She was seen near her dorm on campus at approximately 3 a.m. Tuesday before she disappeared, Dawson said.

Sims is a freshman guard for the AU women’s basketball team.

Auburn police officers were examining a kudzu-filled ditch on Harmon Drive off South College Street in Auburn Tuesday night. An officer at the scene said Sims was found in that area.

Mike Clardy, of the university’s Office of Communications, said Tuesday night the AU family was “deeply appreciative” for all the assistance.

“We are extremely relieved and thankful that CeCe has been reunited with her family,” Auburn University Athletic Director Jay Jacobs said. “We also cannot say enough how appreciative we are of the dedication, professionalism and efficiency of the Auburn law enforcement agencies.”

Head women’s basketball coach Nell Fortner said she, too, was grateful for the “tireless efforts” of the local law enforcement officials.

“Words can’t express the joy and relief that we share now that CeCe is safe and sound,” Fortner said. “We’re very appreciative to everyone who kept her in their thoughts and prayers.”