x
Breaking News
More () »

UPDATED: Vigil planned after search ends for missing man

A candlelight vigil was planned after the search ended for a man who disappeared after he was last seen in Moline.
David Harker photo from Help find David Harker Facebook page

A candlelight vigil was planned after the search ended for a man who disappeared after he was last seen in Moline.

David Harker, 28, reportedly left Twenty Sports Grille and Nightclub, 1405 Fifth Avenue in Moline, just before 2 a.m. Sunday, September 29, 2013.   Harker was on foot and possibly trying to walk to his home near Lincoln Park in Rock Island.

Police and volunteers spent several days searching the area between downtown Moline and Harker’s home near Lincoln Park in Rock Island.  When a trained search and rescue dog joined the search Tuesday, October 1, much of the effort was focused on Stephens park and the Sylvan Slough.

Posts from the search Facebook page as well as information from police confirmed the search was halted Tuesday evening, October 1.  Police planned to review surveillance video from area businesses and follow other leads in the case.

Wednesday morning, October 2, a body was discovered in the Mississippi River near Buffalo Shores Reacreation Area in Buffalo, Iowa.  A post to the search Facebook page confirmed the body was that of David Harker.  Law enforcement confirmed the identity of the body in a statement issued at about 12:30 p.m.

Prior to that discovery, a candlelight vigil was planned for Wednesday evening, October 2 at 8 p.m. at Lincoln Park, at 40th Street and 11th Avenue just north of Alleman High School in Rock Island.  Although Mr. Harker’s body was reportedly found, the vigil was expected to go on as planned.

Participants were asked to bring candles to the vigil.  Anyone who cannot attend the vigil was asked to show support by lighting a candle and saying a prayer wherever they are at 8 p.m. Central time.

“I had planned to cancel, but too many people want to still go, so it is on. I will be there, and hope I can say a few words of thanks to so many of you,” said a Facebook post from David’s father, Dennis Harker.

An fund was established to offer a reward for information that leads to finding David Harker.  Donations to the fund can be made at any DHCU Community Credit Union location.

Anyone with information about David Harker is asked to contact Moline Police at (309) 797-0401.

Follow continuing coverage of the search for David Harker – click here.

Before You Leave, Check This Out