Deputies find body of Kansas man who has been missing since August

Update: David Reese’s body has been found.

According to Barber County Sheriff Jason LeClair, a ranch hand was cutting down hedge trees for a fence post when he spotted Reese’s truck.

“During the time of the initial searches, this area would have been extremely hard to see into. This area is tree covered and not able to be seen by drones or by people unless very close to the location,” said Sheriff LeClair on Facebook.

The area was secured and searched Monday morning. The search began at 9:57 a.m., and at 10:54 a.m., a canine team with Great Plains Search and Rescue K9 indicated the presence of human remains about 80-100 yards away from Reese’s truck.

Monday evening, the remains were collected from the scene. After a review of medical records, it was determined that the remains were those of Reese.

“Although this was not the outcome anyone had prayed for, we hope this can give Mr. Reese’s family the closure they deserve,” said Sheriff LeClair.

Sheriff LeClair told KSN that the cause of death is believed to be medical.

HARPER, Kan. (KSNW) — The Barber County Sheriff’s Office announced on Monday that they have located a vehicle belonging to David Reese, who has been missing since August.

According to the BCSO, they were notified on Sunday evening that a white Chevrolet pickup truck was found in a creek bed in rural Barber County near Little Mule and Hardtner Shortcut, where Reese was last sighted.

“Deputies with the Barber County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene shortly after being notified and confirmed the vehicle is owned by David Reese of Harper,” said the BCSO.

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The sheriff’s office and the Great Plains Search and Rescue K9 team attempted to search the area Monday morning.

The investigation is still ongoing.

Last month, police located Reese’s chocolate labrador near Little Mule and Hardtner Shortcut. The dog was with Reese when he disappeared. The dog was found to be in good health and was returned to Reese’s family.

Reese was last seen on Aug. 1 driving south on U.S. Highway 281 near Medicine Lodge but later sighted near Little Mule and Hardtner Shortcut. A Silver Alert was issued on Aug. 3.

He is described as 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 250 pounds. He has brown eyes, a white beard, and is balding. He was likely wearing a baseball cap.

Reese has diabetes, anxiety, and a condition impairing cognition and memory.

If you see Reese, please call 911 immediately. If you have any other information, contact the Harper Police Department at 620-842-3830.

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