In the late evening of Thursday, June 20, 2024, 50-year-old Roger Purcell was last seen at his home in West Harrison, Indiana. That night, the 5-foot-9-inch, 250-pound man with black hair and brown eyes was reportedly wearing a gray cutoff tank top and white shorts. When he vanished, he left behind his wallet and cell phone. Purcell had been residing with his mother, Ruth, after suffering a stroke about a decade prior.
His mother noted that her son had been dealing with mental health challenges, including hallucinations and hearing voices, and also suffered from diabetes. His disappearance prompted concern, and he was believed to be in extreme danger and in possible need of medical assistance.
The Franklin County Sheriff's Department immediately began an investigation into Roger Purcell's disappearance. A Silver Alert was issued to solicit public assistance in locating him. Despite extensive searches of the area involving professional teams and drones, there was no sign of Purcell. The community was asked to remain vigilant and report any information to the authorities. For nearly two years, his whereabouts remained a mystery, leaving his family and friends in a painful state of uncertainty. His mother, Ruth, along with his brother, Richard, and other family members, held onto hope for his safe return.
Tragically, on June 12, 2026, human skeletal remains were discovered in a rural area in the eastern part of Franklin County. The Franklin County Coroner's Office, with assistance from the University of Indianapolis Human Identification Center Forensic Anthropology Team, worked to identify the remains. On June 16, 2026, authorities confirmed the remains belonged to Roger Purcell. The identification was made through the examination of medical devices from previous surgeries. The discovery brought a sad conclusion to the two-year search for the missing man. The investigation into his death remains ongoing, pending further autopsy and forensic examination results. Roger Purcell was remembered as a kind and generous man with an infectious laugh who dedicated over 18 years to coaching youth basketball and volunteered as a Little League umpire.Last Seen: Jun 20, 2024
