Five Thousand Americans Missing or Dead in Haiti Earthquake?

I orginally wrote this story on January 27th, but did not publish it. I put it in draft and decided I would come back to it after more confirming information becomes available. But there seems to be no more information. Could 4,000 to 5,000 Americans be missing in Haiti after the earthquake? If so, why are we not hearing about it.

I've seen differing estimates of the number of Americans unaccounted for in the Haiti earthquake devastation. All of them range from 4,000 to 5,000. The parents of the 4 missing Lynne University students gave a statement to the press today (Jan. 27th) and cited 4,500 missing. It is possible their information comes from the US State Department, as they are in close contact with that agency. Two professors from Lynn are also missing. As January 21st, 35 Americans are confirmed dead.

From The Huffington Post, 1-20-10:

Nearly three weeks after Haiti's devastating earthquake, the U.S. State Department is still looking for 4,000 American citizens. Many of them might have died, some perhaps still missing, others may have been already found. During past natural disasters such as the Indonesian tsunami, relatives of missing Americans contacted the State Department to report their missing loved ones. Once the missing were found, however, some relatives did not call back to update the State Department of their status. That may be the case for some of the missing American citizens in Haiti. But only some.

Laura Tischler, a State Department spokesperson, would not speculate on the status of the 4,000 missing Americans.

I have looked for State Department estimates, but found nothing. Isn't this strange? I would think we would hear about this everyday - or at least have it trumpted a couple of times, and then maybe reticence would set in, but...

Related and Background:
Dr. Richard Bruno found in Haiti Rubble

Stephanie Crispinelli Found in Haiti: Patrick Hartwick Found in Haiti

Christine Gianacaci Body Found in Haiti Rubble at Hotel Montana

Courtney Hayes Body Found in Haiti Rubble

Haiti Lynn University Students Missing Hotel Montana

UMCOR Sam Dixon, Clinton Rabb Dead in Haiti Quake at Hotel Montana

Sweetest Heartbreaking Photos of 2 Year Old Haitian Boy

Haiti Archbishop Joseph Serge Miot, UN's Hedi Annabi Dead in Quake

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