Benjamin Morse Archer, known as Ben, was 32 years old when he was last seen on March 2, 2016, in Delaware City, Delaware. NamUs lists his case as Missing Person / NamUs #MP33696, with his date of last contact recorded as March 2, 2016. Public missing-person sources describe him as a White/Caucasian male with sandy or blond hair and brown eyes, about 6 feet to 6 feet 1 inch tall, and roughly 160 to 175 pounds.
Ben was last associated with DuPont State Park in Delaware City.
According to public case summaries, he left his mother’s home at approximately 6:00 a.m. on March 2, 2016. A few hours later, his brother and stepfather reportedly found him in the park, barefoot and shivering. He reportedly did not want to leave and said he needed to “bless the park.” When his mother returned a short time later, Ben was gone.
At the time he disappeared, Ben was reportedly wearing gray yoga pants and a green-and-white striped polo shirt. Sources say he may have had camouflage-print rubber boots, though he may also have been barefoot. His family later left clothing and boots in the park in the hope that he would return and use them. When they came back that evening, the clothing was reportedly still there, but the boots were gone.
Public accounts emphasize that Ben was especially vulnerable when he disappeared. He reportedly had no phone, identification, money, jacket, or shoes when he left that cold morning, and personal belongings were still at home. The Charley Project notes that he was in need of medical attention for unspecified reasons, while another public case summary states that he had been in a serious car accident before he disappeared.
Ben’s family has continued to speak about him with deep love and hope. His mother’s public page describes him as someone loved and missed by many, and notes that he had contributed photography to Under 1000 Skies. The same page says that before his disappearance he had lived a nomadic lifestyle by choice during travels in 2015, but distinguishes that from the circumstances of March 2, 2016, when he left with almost nothing and was alone.
Search efforts reportedly began soon after the missing-person report was filed. According to Ben’s mother’s public account, Delaware State Police and Delaware City Police searched the park and river area using dogs, personnel, thermal scans, and helicopters, but found no confirmed trace of him. The account also states that there were possible sightings only in the early days, but none were confirmed.
Public sources continue to list Ben’s whereabouts as unknown. Disappeared Blog lists his status as still missing, and notes that the circumstances of his disappearance remain unresolved. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Delaware City Police Department at 302-836-6344.Last Seen: Mar 2, 2016
