Toledo family reunited with missing man

10/12/2009

The family of a former Toledo man has been reunited with him after several weeks of not knowing where and how he was.

David Moore, Jr., 37, was found about 11 a.m. Saturday by his father, uncle, and cousin in Scottsdale, Ariz., after using a phone at a Scottsdale bank to call his father for help, his sister Melissa Moore-Farrell of Windermere, Fla., said yesterday.

Mr. Moore's family had flown to Scottsdale the night before his phone call, after receiving the news that his car had been found.

"We are so relieved that he has been found," she said. "He was fine, he managed to find places to eat, and he was using an exercise club to shower. [And] he was relieved to have his family around to help him out," she said.

Sgt. Mark Clark of Scottsdale police said there is no indication of any criminal activity associated with his disappearance.

"The case is closed for us," Sergeant Clark said. "He has [since] voluntarily contacted his family and it seems as though he had voluntarily lost touch with his family during that time period."

The search for Mr. Moore turned into a national campaign with a Facebook page and a Web site, finddavemoore.com, created by his cousin, Beth Johnson of Ann Arbor. The Facebook page prompted old friends as well as perfect strangers to offer help, thoughts, and prayers.

Old West End resident Toni Moore, Mr. Moore's mother, posted online her appreciation for the outpouring of support.

On the Facebook page designated for the search, she wrote Saturday: "To everyone who helped to make this one of the most joyous days for our family we say a heartfelt thank you to our family, friends and ALL who prayed, sent e-mails etc. for Davey's safe return to his family. Your love, concern, prayers and works of encouragement are overwhelming. With much love, Davey's mom."

The Moores, unable to reach David by cell phone after speaking to him on Aug. 21, filed a missing person report with Scottsdale police last month.

"Dave had been unemployed and began to struggle financially. He has no history of drug or alcohol abuse, and no history of mental health issues or depression," the Web site said.

"However, this behavior is not typical for him and we are concerned he may be in a depressed state due to his financial situation and could be at risk," it said.

Wrote Heidi Hartsook Sell on the Facebook page: "What an incredible relief, so happy to hear he is doing well and safe. Our thoughts are with all of you, especially Dave. Big hugs!"

Contact Mike Sigov at:

sigov@theblade.com

or 419-724-6089