Austin Tice's parents launch appeal for US journalist missing in Syria We know that we are not the only family that is suffering. Austin's silence has given us some understanding of the anxieties and uncertainties that so many families in the world are experiencing," said Mr Tice's mother, Debra Tice. Mrs Tice said that the family, including Mr Tice's six brothers and sisters all felt the "terrible void in his prolonged silence. With the approaching holiday season, we are even more dismayed by the empty chair at our family table. Friends of Mr Tice, 31, recalled the passion with which he worked in Syria, travelling in the country for month, covering the conflict close up and from every angle. The Tice family has urged anyone with any information about their son's disappearance to email them at information@austinticefamily.com.