Investigators continued to look for leads Monday on the disappearance of Austin Bice, a San Diego State University student who was studying abroad in Spain. Bice disappeared on Friday, February 25, after going out with friends in Madrid, Spain.

Bice’s friend from high school, Connor Fabiano, told ATVN the news about Brice came very unexpectedly.

“It’s completely out of character for him to wander off without telling anybody especially in a foreign country,” Connor said. “He’s a very worldly strong guy, he can take care of himself.”

Missing posters displayed all around Madrid describe 22-year-old Bice as a big man. He is 6’5” and 220lbs. Friends said Bice left the Night Club La Riviera by himself and never went home.

“We always told him never to be by yourself. Always pair up with somebody. Always be with somebody,” Bice’s cousin-in-law said.

Family and friends started forming their own searches, and Bice’s father said he was grateful for all the help.

“I just want to say thank you for all being here. It is hard for me to talk about it, but thank you,” Bice’s father said.

USC sent out safety messages to students studying abroad in Madrid.

The University said in an e-mail, “It is impossible to cover every potential risk in a list of written safety norms or guidelines: Being careful and using common sense is a part of the study abroad learning experience.”

USC student Jonathan Kendrick who is studying in Madrid said he is not scared but is trying to be safe.

“It makes us more aware of being together and with each other at all times, but I’m still not scared to walk home because really haven’t heard what’s happened anyway,” Kendrick said.

SDSU said it is working with the Bice family and is in direct contact with the seven other international business students studying abroad in Madrid.

“This is a very difficult situation, and we are all hoping that there is going to be a positive ending,” SDSU Spokesperson Gina Jacobs said.

Students and Faculty at San Diego State are holding a candle light vigil for Bice on Monday on the San Diego campus.