New York detectives are investigating the disappearance of 31-year-old designer James “Jay” Ott.
The 6-foot, 2-inch Bushwick, Brooklyn, resident was reported missing Monday, according to a New York Police Department spokesman. Surveillance footage shows that Ott was last seen March 22 at 9:50 p.m. in his apartment building — The McKibbin Lofts at 248 McKibbin Street. It is not known where he might have headed after that, according to NYPD.
Ott has not returned home since, and his friends and family have not heard from him, according to the NYPD. He is described as a male Caucasian with brown hair, blue eyes, a beard and a 175-pound thin build. He was last seen entering his apartment building, according to his friend Beatrice Kim.
Ott works in the design studio for Rosetta Getty, who is launching a signature ready-to-wear collection this fall. Getty, a former model, is married to Balthazar Getty, the actor, musician and scion of the notable West Coast family. For her company’s launch, she partnered with the brand management and investment firm The Dock Group, which also took a stake in Creatures of the Wind last fall.
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In response to Ott’s disappearance, The Dock’s chief executive officer Matt Walker said Wednesday, “Our love and support are with Jay’s family and friends at this difficult time. We are working with the authorities and doing everything possible to help locate him. We are asking if anyone has any information to please call 718-963-5368 for the 90th Police Precinct in Brooklyn.”
Ott’s family issued the following statement Wednesday through a spokeswoman for The Dock Group: “Jay’s family and friends are extremely concerned and anxious to receive any word regarding Jay’s health and safety. His health and safety are our primary concern. If he is seeking help and confidentiality is a concern, we understand, but we would love to hear that he is safe.”
The family asked anyone with information about Ott to phone the 90th Precinct or the “Friends of Jay” number at 718-710-7919. They also can e-mail any information to findjayott@gmail.com.