Name: David Owen Moffett
Age: 70 years old
Last Seen: September 29, 2023
Location: Levering, Michigan
Status: Still missing
Case Information
70 year old David Moffett was last seen in Levering, Michigan on September 29, 2023. Moffett, who has Alzheimer’s, disappeared while out walking his dog.
Background
At the time of his disappearance, David was living in Center Township, Michigan.
About two weeks prior to his disappearance, David wandered off and was missing for about 13 hours before being found. During that time he was asking for a ride to Rogers City, a city he is not affiliated with, and said he lived in Petoskey, which isn’t true.
Without taking his Alzheimer’s medication he may become confused and not remember where he lives.
Disappearance
Around 10:00 am on September 29, 2023, David Moffett went out for a walk with his dog, Stella.
David left without his phone, wallet, or any form of identification.
At 3:30 pm, David was reported missing to the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office when he didn’t return home.
“Given David’s condition and the circumstances of his disappearance, there is growing concern for his well-being,” the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office said in it’s initial announcement.
Investigation
A friend of David’s reports seeing him at Levering and Larks Lake Road around 4:30 pm on the day he disappeared. This is the last known sighting of David.
On October 4, 2023, six days after he disappeared, David’s dog Stella returned home on her own.
Stella was taken back out for a walk after she had a rest, and led searchers to powerline easements where footprints of hers were found, giving searchers an indication as to where to narrow their search efforts.
There was a combined total of 28,000 man hours put into the search for David, with the help of 100-150 volunteers and canine units, but no clues as to his whereabouts have been found.
On October 9, 2023, the active search for David was stopped, with the county switching to a “clue-based investigation.”
Flyers have been posted in sporting stores with David’s information to alert hunters in case they come across him in a remote area, and his case was added to the National Missing Persons Database, but no new tips have come in.
David’s disappearance prompted one lawmaker, State Rep. Neil Friske, to propose legislation that would change how Michigan handles cases for missing adults with medical issues.
Michigan already has an endangered missing advisory system, but it doesn’t directly alert the public like Amber Alerts do. The proposed change would create a Silver Alert system, operated by the Michigan State Police, that would send text alerts to citizens about missing persons with medical concerns.
Whereabouts
The location of David Moffett remains unknown. His case is classified as endangered missing and remains unsolved.
Appearance
70 year old male with white hair and brown eyes. David stands 5’9 tall and weighs 135 pounds.
Clothing & Accessories:
David was last seen wearing a green sweater/vest, brown carpenter pants, a checkered shirt, and a baseball cap.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information regarding the disappearance of David Moffett please contact the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office at (231) 439-8900.
Resources & Further Information
David Owen Moffett – NamUS
David Moffett Search & Rescue Updates – Facebook
Media Links
Emmett County Man’s Disappearance Sparks Call For Improved Emergency Alert System – WWMT
More than 2 Months After His Disappearance, There’s Still no Sign of David Moffett – Petoskey News
Missing Northern Michigan Man’s Dog Returns Home, Search Transitions to ‘Clue-Based’ Approach – Manistee News
Search For Emmet County Missing Man Now at a Standstill – 9&10News
Videos & Flyers
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