Weeks after Gevork Boyadzhyan vanished, his family isn’t giving up

On July 20, Gevork Boyadzhyan sent a close friend a text message that read: “Call me.” And then he disappeared.

It’s been more than a month since Boyadzhyan, 24, was last seen leaving his Burbank home. And his family’s best efforts at tracking him down have so far been unsuccessful.

“It’s such a roller-coaster, throughout the day even,” said his sister, Ana Akilyan, 30. “One second, you think he’s going to be OK, then your mind starts playing tricks on you.”

Boyadzhyan left his home that night at 7:30 p.m. but didn’t tell his mother where he was headed. He was dressed casually in black jeans and a black jacket. A while later, the final text message came through. His phone has since been turned off, no activity has been reported on his credit cards, and there’s been no sign of him at local hospitals or jails, his family says.

Boyadzhyan was reported missing to Burbank police on July 24. Investigators have no evidence of foul play, and Boyadzhyan reportedly made no indication that he wanted to hurt himself, according to Burbank Police Lt. Eddie Ruiz.

As the investigation continues, family members have tried in vain to find other leads by distributing hundreds of fliers with his picture, driving around for clues and staying up late digging through his computer and belongings.

They haven’t given up hope.

“If he was not with us anymore, I feel like I would’ve felt something. I don’t feel that, so that’s a good thing,” Akilyan said. “Until I know for sure, I’ll never be able to rest. I have to see him with my own eyes.”

The kindness of strangers offering to help has been comforting, Akilyan said. A Facebook page asking for help has been “liked” more than 3,300 times, with commentators offering prayers and hope.

“It makes you feel like you have an extended family,” Akilyan said.

Boyadzhyan was last seen leaving his home near Grismer Avenue and San Fernando Boulevard in his white 2010 Lexus sedan, which has a black roof and black wheels. The California license plate number is 6MUG716.

Boyadzhyan was described by family members as 5 feet 10 and 170 pounds, with light brown eyes and short brown hair. He has a tattoo of a young boy on his right inner biceps.

Anyone with information about Boyadzhyan’s whereabouts, or who may have seen or communicated with him, was asked to call Burbank police at (818) 238-3243, or his family at (818) 414-1349. To remain anonymous, call (800) 222-TIPS.

alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com