Contributed Photo: Harrison Vandever was found deceased Dec. 31, 2019. He had been missing since Dec. 20, 2019.
Staff Reports
SAFFORD – After being missing for 11 days, Harrison David Vandever, 34, was located deceased in the backyard of a residence at the intersection of 14th Avenue and U.S. Highway 70 on New Year’s Eve. After an initial examination, the Graham County Medical Examiner concluded that Vandever died from natural causes.
The Gila Herald first reported Vandever’s discovery Jan. 1.
On Sunday, Jan. 5, the Vandever family released the following statement to the Gila Herald:
“We want to thank everyone who has had our family in their prayers. We especially want to thank all the Safford Police officers and detectives who worked tirelessly to bring Harrison home. They spent many hours, including the use of drones and search vehicles, to find Harrison.
We also want to thank Dr. Carter and his thorough work that has helped give us closure. Thank you to Jason and Joshua McDougal for the tender care they provided while preparing Harrison. Thank you for all who have donated funds to help cover some of the funeral costs; your generosity overwhelms us.
For those who don’t know, Laura Vandever, Harrison’s mother, is the daughter of David and Luella Knight, longtime residents of Thatcher.”
– Diana Knight (Harrison Vandever’s aunt)
Donations are still being accepted at Vandever’s GoFundMe fundraiser here.
