Desperate search under way for Texas college student last seen before date

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(Apline Police Department)

Authorities have launched an all-out search for a missing Texas college student whose family said she was last seen before a date more than a week ago.

Police announced Wednesday that a $30,000 reward is being offered for the safe return of 22-year-old Zuzu Renee Verk, a student at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas, about 100 miles from the Mexican border. The Texas Rangers and FBI are assisting in the search for Verk, which has expanded outside of the Alpine area, according to investigators.

The young woman was last heard from during the early morning hours of Oct. 12, according to the Alpine Police Department. Verk's father told local news outlets that she was absent from both school and work later that day.

Verk reportedly left her home for a date at the movies with her on-again, off-again boyfriend on the night of Tuesday, Oct. 11, though police have released few details. No suspect or person of interest has been identified, and police haven't released the boyfriend's name or whereabouts.