DELAWARE COUNTY, Ind. — A heartbreaking search along the Mississinewa River has come to an end with the recovery of the body of 18-year-old Matthew Morey, a recent Delta High School graduate whose life was tragically cut short.
Matthew had been missing since Wednesday evening after emergency personnel responded to the area following a report that four individuals had entered the river. Three people were safely located and recovered that night, but Matthew could not be found.
For several days, first responders, law enforcement officers, firefighters, search-and-rescue personnel, volunteers and specialized teams worked tirelessly along the Mississinewa River in an effort to bring Matthew home.
That search has now ended, leaving a family, school community and countless friends to face the devastating reality of his death.
Matthew was a young man with a future ahead of him. As a Delta High School graduate, he was preparing to begin another chapter of his life at Purdue University. He had dreams, plans and opportunities waiting for him.
Instead, his loved ones are now left with memories of a young life that ended far too soon.
The search for Matthew was extensive and challenging. Crews used boats, unmanned aerial vehicles, aircraft, K9 teams and personnel searching along the riverbanks. Specialized resources from across Delaware County and Indiana were brought together as responders worked through difficult conditions.
At times, rising water levels, swift currents and dangerous debris forced authorities to adjust or temporarily suspend portions of the operation. The safety of the rescuers remained a priority as teams continued searching whenever conditions allowed.
Throughout the operation, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office said it had made a commitment to Matthew’s family that responders would not give up until they had answers.
That commitment remained at the center of the search.
Day after day, responders returned to the river, continuing their efforts despite difficult weather and dangerous water conditions. Their goal was simple but deeply important — to bring Matthew home to his family.
Now that he has been recovered, the community is left to mourn.
There are no words capable of taking away the pain of losing a child. For Matthew’s parents, family members and loved ones, this is a loss that will forever change their lives.
Matthew was more than a missing-person case or the subject of a search operation. He was someone’s son, someone’s friend, a classmate, a graduate and a young person who had touched the lives of those around him.
His friends and classmates will remember the moments they shared with him during his years at Delta High School. His family will hold onto the memories created throughout his life. And those who knew Matthew will carry his memory forward as they try to make sense of a tragedy that no family should have to endure.
His plans to attend Purdue University represented the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Like many young people his age, Matthew had his future in front of him.
His loved ones will now have to grieve the future he never got the opportunity to experience.
The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office expressed its deepest condolences to Matthew’s family, friends, classmates and everyone who knew and loved him. Officials also asked the community to continue keeping the family in their thoughts and prayers while respecting their privacy during this incredibly painful time.
The sheriff’s office also thanked the many agencies, responders, volunteers and individuals who contributed to the search.
Those who assisted included the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Muncie Police Department, Muncie Fire Department, Eaton Fire Department, Eaton EMS, Eaton Police Department, Delaware County EMS, Delaware County Emergency Management Agency, Albany Fire Department, Albany Police Department, Delaware County Highway Department, Yorktown Fire Department, Blackford County Sheriff’s Office, Kokomo Fire Department, First In Last Out Ministries K9, Delaware County Coroner’s Office and 3D Construction – Jacob Case.
The search became a true community-wide effort.
People from different agencies and organizations came together with one shared purpose: to bring Matthew home.
Their work required long hours, dedication, professionalism and courage, particularly as crews faced dangerous river conditions. The family and community are forever indebted to those who refused to stop searching.
The sheriff’s office also expressed gratitude to the community for the tremendous support shown to Matthew’s family and to the first responders throughout the operation.
During moments of unimaginable grief, communities can provide a powerful source of strength. The prayers, messages, assistance and support offered during the search demonstrated that Matthew’s life mattered to many people.
Now, as the search has ended, the focus turns toward remembering him.
Matthew’s life should not be defined only by the circumstances surrounding his death. He should be remembered for who he was — an 18-year-old graduate with dreams, relationships, memories and an entire future that was supposed to unfold before him.
His loved ones will continue to carry those memories.
There will be difficult days ahead. There will be moments when the loss feels overwhelming. But the love Matthew’s family and friends have for him will remain long after the search has ended.
A young life has been lost, but the memories he created will remain.
Rest peacefully, Matthew Morey. 🕊️
May you be remembered not for the tragedy that took you from this world, but for the life you lived, the people you loved and the memories you left behind.
May your family find strength in one another during the days ahead. May your friends and classmates find comfort in the memories they shared with you. And may everyone whose life was touched by Matthew continue to honor his memory with love and compassion.
Gone far too soon, but never forgotten. Forever loved, forever remembered.
As the Delaware County community mourns, may everyone continue to keep Matthew’s family in their thoughts and prayers and give them the privacy, compassion and support they need as they navigate this devastating loss.
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