A rising political figure from New York has vanished under mysterious circumstances just hours after attending a public meeting.
Petros “Petey” Krommidas, a 29-year-old active member of the Nassau County Young Democrats, was reported missing after he failed to return from a late-night beach outing in Long Beach, New York, on April 23, 2025. His disappearance has sparked widespread concern among his family, friends, and the local residents, who are urging the public to assist in ongoing search efforts.
According to a Facebook post by family member Maria Lo Krommidas, Petros parked his car by the Allegria Hotel and headed to the beach around 10:30 p.m., carrying only a towel. Known for his athleticism and frequent cold-water training sessions, Petros’ nighttime exercise was not unusual.
However, his sudden lack of communication alarmed his family, who reported him missing the next day. On April 24, authorities found Petros’s towel, clothing, and phone left abandoned on the beach.
Search teams have since been combing the coastline, particularly between Lido Beach and Jacob Riis Park. Maria urged the public for help, “Every pair of eyes helps. Every step along the beach matters.”
High tide times, considered critical for the search, were shared in the post to guide volunteers. On April 29, for instance, high tides were expected around 9:45 a.m. and 10:15 p.m. in Long Beach, slightly earlier in neighboring areas.
Petros’ most recent public appearance was at a meeting of the Nassau County Young Democrats. At this event, he delivered a speech alongside Joe Scianablo, a candidate for Town of Hempstead Supervisor.
Petros holds several roles in the Nassau County government, having served as a Democratic Party field organizer since December 2024 and a party clerk since early 2024.
Before entering politics, he built a high-powered career in finance, working with Sageview Capital, TPG, and Morgan Stanley across investment banking and private equity.
A Columbia University graduate with honors in American history and business management, he also earned national titles in lightweight rowing and was named an Academic All-American, according to his LinkedIn. This strong academic and professional background has drawn attention to the sudden nature of his disappearance.
Adding to the family’s plea, Eleni-Lemonia Krommidas, Petros’ sister, posted, “My brother is missing, and we are deeply worried. Please share this post and help us spread the word—any information could make a difference.”
On April 28, Jay S. Jacobs, chairman of the Nassau County Democratic Committee, shared a message of support, “We are heartbroken over the disappearance of Petros Krommidas. Petros is a bright, driven young man who has been a strong voice for Democratic values.”
Jacobs added, “He is well respected by the community and represents the very best of our next generation of leaders. We are keeping Petros and his family in our prayers and remain hopeful for his safe return.”
Earlier today, Eleni posted another update, confirming that her brother was still missing and encouraging the community to continue spreading awareness. She expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, reminded people to search safely, and emphasized the importance of checking high tide schedules this week, which she provided on her post.
While helping out, it’s always important for people to check official tide charts for updates, to consult a proper map of the search area, and to always be careful near beaches and rivers.
Unfortunately, Petros isn’t the only person who has disappeared near a body of water in the last few days. As reported previously, Princeton University undergraduate student Lauren Blackburn was reported missing, per the Department of Public Safety, on April 22. The school issued a Tiger Alert on the same day.
versity’s community, the 23-year-old was last seen at approximately 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, near the university’s Firestone Library. The student was wearing blue torn jeans, a yellow T-shirt with a black hooded sweatshirt, and blue shoes. He was 6’2″, weighed 170 lbs, and had brown eyes and black hair.
Around midnight, between Monday night and Tuesday morning, DPS began an ongoing search near Lake Carnegie—a man-made reservoir built in 1906 for PU’s rowing teams—after a missing person’s phone was pinged near the area.
Lake Carnegie is located about a mile away from the Firestone Library. However, it is not yet confirmed if the device belonged to Lauren. Sonar units and drones from Hamilton Township, as well as K-9 units, have been brought in for the water search.
Lauren was a former features writer for the school newspaper. He was among 2,500 students who earned the National Merit Scholarship in 2019 and began his studies at Princeton that fall.
In a sad update, Lauren was found dead on April 25, according to Princeton University. We offer our condolences to his family and loved ones.
