Four friends jumped into the Mississinewa River on Aug. 12. Only three friends came out.
Matthew Morey, 19, went missing after he leapt into the river from a bridge on Gregory Road, about 10 miles north of Muncie. It was near the start of historic flooding in the area, made worse by constant rainfall that swelled rivers out of their banks.
Authorities had to pause search efforts for Morey over safety concerns amid “increasingly dangerous conditions,” USA TODAY Network’s Muncie Star Press reported. On Aug. 15, Delaware County authorities recovered Morey’s body from the Mississinewa River. He was found about 200 yards from the bridge, the Star Press reported.
Morey is one of at least seven people whose deaths have been connected to the storms since flooding and severe weather struck Indiana. Floodwater rose quickly in Muncie, washing away roads, displacing residents and damaging homes.
Morey was planning to attend Purdue University this fall. He graduated with the Class of 2026 at Delta High School. A varsity football player, Morey was a wide receiver and a cornerback for the Eagles, the roster shows.
On Instagram, Morey included “John 13:7” in his profile. The Bible verse quotes Jesus: “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
Union Chapel in Muncie hosted a candlelight vigil Aug. 14 hoping for Morey’s safe return home. The packed community gathering included prayer, music and readings from the Bible.
Morey’s body was recovered the following morning.
After confirming the discovery, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release that the staff’s hearts are “with Matthew’s family, friends, classmates, and everyone who knew and loved him.”
“There are no words that can ease the pain of losing a child,” the news release said. “We ask that our community continue to keep his family in their thoughts and prayers and respect their privacy as they grieve this tragic loss.”
Matthew Morey’s father, Kelly Morey, serves as captain with the Muncie Fire Department. In a Facebook post, the Muncie Firefighters Local 1348 said Matthew Morey will be missed and remembered.
“There are no words to be spoken or actions to be made that will make this new journey without Matthew any easier,” the post said. “Those of us who have been around MFD for any length of time got to know and watch Matthew grow into a wonderful young man. We got to watch him grow, compete in his athletic career, and most recently his high school graduation. It is definitely evident the impact Matthew had on so many lives from the outpouring of love and support being shown.”
Aubrey Wright is a breaking news reporter for the Indy Star. She can be reached at amwright@indystar.com.
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: ‘There are no words.’ Purdue-bound Delta High graduate among Indiana flood victims
Reporting by Aubrey Wright, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Aubrey Wright, Indianapolis Star | USA TODAY Network
