The Delaware County community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 18-year-old Matthew Morey, whose body was recovered from the Mississinewa River after an extensive search that lasted several days. Matthew, a Delta High School graduate who was preparing to begin his studies at Purdue University, had a future filled with hopes, plans and possibilities ahead of him. His sudden death has left his family, friends, classmates and everyone who joined the search struggling with profound grief. What began Wednesday evening as a desperate search for a missing young man has now ended with the devastating confirmation that Matthew will not be returning home alive.

Matthew had been missing since Wednesday evening after emergency personnel responded to the Mississinewa River when four people were reported to have entered the water. Three were safely recovered that night, but Matthew could not be located. For days, first responders, law enforcement officers, firefighters, search-and-rescue teams, volunteers and specialized crews worked tirelessly along the river in an effort to bring him home. Boats, unmanned aerial vehicles, aircraft, K9 teams and teams searching the riverbanks were among the resources used during the difficult operation. Dangerous conditions, including swift currents, rising water and debris, created additional challenges for those involved. Despite those obstacles, responders continued searching whenever conditions allowed. The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office said it had made a commitment to Matthew’s family that the search would not end until there were answers. That commitment remained at the heart of the operation. Agencies and community members came together with one shared purpose: bringing Matthew home to his loved ones.