Sierah Catherine Joughin, a college student with a bright future, vanished on July 19, 2016, after leaving her boyfriend Joshuah Kolasinski’s home in Metamora, Ohio. Tragically, her remains were discovered three days later, igniting a wave of grief and shock within the community. The case has since gained further attention through ABC’s program “20/20: She Was Almost Home,” which offers insights into the investigation and the journey toward justice for Sierah.
Joshuah and Sierah had a long history, having met as children and grown inseparable throughout their high school years. Their love blossomed into serious plans for the future while they attended college together. On that fateful day, Sierah left Josh’s side to return to her grandparents’ home, but when he could not contact her later that evening, he alerted her mother, initiating an extensive missing person search.
Investigations revealed unsettling discoveries linked to a suspect named James Dean Worley, including Sierah’s personal items found near a cornfield where her remains were ultimately located. Worley was charged with multiple offenses, including aggravated murder. In 2018, he was convicted on 17 counts and sentenced to death, although his execution date has been postponed, leaving his future uncertain.
In the aftermath of Sierah’s death, Josh Kolasinski transformed his grief into action, founding the nonprofit organization Keeping Our Girls Safe (KOGS) to empower young women through self-defense training. Since its inception, KOGS has provided free self-defense classes to over 2,500 girls, making a meaningful impact in the community. Although Josh stepped down as President of KOGS in 2022, he remains proud of the organization’s mission.
Parallel to his community efforts, Josh has built a successful career as a firefighter and paramedic. His commitment to serving others is evident in his various roles within local fire departments and emergency medical services. Additionally, he has ventured into entrepreneurship with the launch of Nobility Industries, focusing on innovative emergency response tools.
Personally, Josh has found new joy and purpose in life, marrying Shelby Kolasinski in August 2021 and welcoming two children. His journey reflects resilience and the ability to find happiness amid sorrow, as he honors Sierah’s memory through his advocacy and dedication to family and community service.
This story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of community, safety, and the enduring power of love, even in the face of tragedy. Joshua’s efforts underline the potential for positive change arising from difficult circumstances.