The community of Solomons, Maryland, experienced an intense period of anxiety and uncertainty after a missing persons case involving 35-year-old Nick Kilduff and his 7-month-old son, Ryker, gripped the small town. The two were reported missing on March 7, 2025, sparking a search that would soon culminate in an incredibly positive resolution, as both father and son were found safe.
The situation began when Nick, a father who lived with his partner and child in Solomons, left his home on the morning of March 7 to dispose of some items at the local dump. According to reports, Nick assured the mother of his son, Ryker, that he would be back shortly. However, hours passed, and Nick did not return home. Ryker, who was exclusively breastfed, had not eaten since 12:30 p.m., and Nick had left without taking any diapers, wipes, or any necessary items for the baby. The absence of such essential provisions for the infant raised further concerns for the wellbeing of both father and son.
Adding to the worry, Nick’s phone was turned off, making it impossible for anyone to contact him. The fact that Nick had failed to return home, compounded by the concerning circumstances surrounding his departure, prompted the family to notify local authorities. The missing persons case soon escalated when it became apparent that there was no clear explanation for why Nick had not come back or why his phone was inaccessible. The situation grew even more urgent as Ryker’s wellbeing was at the forefront of everyone’s mind.
By 3 p.m., the search for Nick and Ryker was in full force, with local authorities working tirelessly to locate them. The Solomons community quickly rallied behind the effort, as neighbors, friends, and concerned citizens mobilized to assist in the search. Residents offered tips, provided information, and helped canvass the area as the hours passed, with search teams scouring the town and surrounding areas for any sign of the missing pair. It was known that Nick had been driving a white Mercury Mountaineer when he left, and the vehicle became a focal point of the investigation.
As the evening hours approached, the situation reached a fever pitch, with family members, friends, and law enforcement working together to track down Nick and his baby son. The emotional toll on the family, particularly Ryker’s mother, was palpable. The worry over the baby’s well-being and the lack of answers caused immense stress, and the uncertainty of the situation weighed heavily on everyone involved. Authorities communicated with each other frequently and utilized various means of tracking and searching the area. Despite the efforts, there was still no sign of the missing individuals, making every minute feel even more critical.
Finally, after an agonizing several hours, news came through that would bring immeasurable relief to everyone. It was confirmed that Nick and Ryker had been found safe. The announcement was met with a collective sigh of relief from the family, law enforcement, and the entire Solomons community, who had been anxiously awaiting positive news. While the details of their exact location and the circumstances surrounding their disappearance were not initially made public, the most important fact—the safety of both Nick and Ryker—was now certain.
The news of their safe return spread quickly throughout the community. The mother of Ryker expressed her deep relief, thanking everyone who had supported them during the ordeal. She expressed her gratitude to the authorities for their diligent work and to the community for their relentless efforts in assisting with the search. In a statement, she shared how the emotional toll had been unbearable, but the overwhelming support and commitment from those around them gave her a sense of hope during an incredibly difficult time.
Although the specifics of the location where they were found have not yet been fully disclosed, the positive outcome highlighted the importance of community cooperation in times of crisis. This incident underscored how quickly a seemingly simple situation—such as a father taking a short trip to the dump—can escalate into something much more serious, especially when a child is involved. For the residents of Solomons, it was a reminder of the strength of community bonds and the willingness of neighbors and citizens to come together to help each other when faced with uncertainty.
As of now, the situation remains under investigation by local authorities, who are working to determine exactly what happened during those hours that Nick and Ryker were unaccounted for. While there are still many questions to be answered, the most important thing is that father and son are safe. The case has also raised awareness about the importance of maintaining communication, especially in situations that may seem routine. The concerns over Ryker’s wellbeing and the fact that he had not eaten for several hours prompted a swift and urgent response from the community, and this is what ultimately led to the positive outcome.
In the aftermath of the discovery, both Nick and Ryker’s family members expressed relief and gratitude for the outcome. They acknowledged the emotional strain they had endured during the search, as well as the heartfelt concern shown by neighbors and others who had assisted with the search. Community members have continued to rally together, offering support to the family and ensuring they have everything they need in the wake of the incident. There is no doubt that the bond of support within the Solomons community has only grown stronger after this ordeal.
The case of Nick and Ryker’s disappearance also serves as a reminder of how precious time is in situations involving children, especially young infants like Ryker. Every minute counts when it comes to a child’s safety and well-being. Fortunately, this story ended with a happy resolution, but it also reinforces the importance of being vigilant, staying connected, and supporting each other in times of need.
As the days pass and the search for answers continues, the most important takeaway is the safety of Nick and his son, Ryker. While the details of their disappearance may eventually be clarified, the outcome—two lives saved—remains the most important part of the story. Moving forward, the Solomons community will continue to offer support and strength to Nick, Ryker, and their family, as they recover from this unexpected and frightening experience.
This event also highlights the role of law enforcement in ensuring public safety and responding quickly in times of crisis. The swift response from local authorities, combined with the efforts of community members, ensured that a potentially tragic situation was resolved with a positive outcome. The entire community can take pride in knowing that they came together to ensure the safety of two of their own, making sure that Nick and Ryker returned home safely to the embrace of their loved ones.
