Business

An Urbana, Missouri, native was rescued from a prison in Syria after being missing for months.Travis Timmerman, 29, said he was released Monday after his rescuers broke down his single-cell prison door.I was happy, really happy and excited. And I had happy tears. I was glad, said Stacey Gardiner, Timmermans mother.She learned her son was alive from a phone call from her husband, Richard Gardiner, on Thursday morning.Stacey was on her way to a doctors appointment in Kansas City when she heard the news.She said the last time she saw her son in person was for her birthday in March.Richard and Stacey said Timmerman left for Europe to study churches and write a book about them.They said they had consistent contact with Timmerman until May when it suddenly stopped.His last known location was Budapest, Hungary.In July, Richard filed a missing persons report with the Missouri State Highway Patrol.About a month ago, he was told Timmermans bank card had been used at an ATM in Lebanon months earlier.I was really thinking the worst thoughts. And to see him alive on TV, it was really very good, Richard said.Timmerman is a 2013 graduate of Skyline High School in Urbana.He was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and track.Brandon Shelby said he was Timmermans football and track coach for four years.Coming into work, my phone started blowing up. I had calls from the former superintendent, former principal, and then some of Traviss classmates and teammates were texting me and sending clips and everything. It was just absolute excitement. Were elated, Shelby said.Timmerman was part of two state quarterfinal football teams.A highlight reel, among other plays, shows him returning a kickoff for a touchdown.He was with a really good group. And those kids were so dedicated and worked so hard in the weight room. We spent so much time together. Travis was an example of a kid that just made himself into a player through his hard work and coachability, Shelby said.According to his parents, Timmermans journey from Skyline High School took him to Missouri State University, where he earned a degree in finance.He then went to the University of Tennessee, where he earned a law degree.They said Timmerman passed the Illinois bar exam on his first try and went to work for a Chicago law firm.But he didnt like it and decided to come back to Missouri to become a writer.Even though he was released from prison, his family had not heard from him as of Thursday.In an interview after his release, Timmerman was asked if he wanted to contact the U.S. consulate and his family.His response was, Not at this time.I was upset about it because I feel like he needs to come home, and he doesnt need to stay over there. His family needs him the most right now, Stacey said. I just want to hug him and not let go.Stacey and Richard hope Travis can be back home in time for Christmas.