The search for Matthew Morey, an 18-year-old believed to be from the Muncie, Indiana, area, was suspended Thursday afternoon after he reportedly entered the rain-swollen Mississinewa River on Wednesday evening, August 12, 2026. Authorities said dangerous water conditions, including rising levels, swift currents and significant debris, made it unsafe for search crews to continue. A candlelight vigil for Morey is planned for Friday, August 14, at 8 p.m. at Union Chapel, 4622 North Broadway, Muncie, Indiana.
Matthew Morey remains missing after entering the Mississinewa River near Albany, Indiana, on Wednesday, August 12. Four people reportedly jumped into the river from an iron bridge along Gregory Road, and three were quickly located. Morey was not found. Authorities suspended the search Thursday because rising water and dangerous conditions created significant risks for rescuers.
What Happened to Matthew Morey?
According to the information provided by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department, four people entered the rain-swollen Mississinewa River from the iron bridge along Gregory Road northwest of Albany on Wednesday evening.
Emergency responders were called shortly after 8:30 p.m.
Three of the four people who entered the river were found relatively quickly and removed from the water. The fourth person, believed to be a local young man in his late teens, remained missing.
The search continued into the early hours of Thursday morning before crews temporarily stopped around 12:30 a.m.
Authorities resumed searching at approximately 8 a.m. Thursday.
Search for Matthew Morey Suspended
The search involved multiple agencies and different methods of searching the river and surrounding areas.
Crews included:
- Delaware County Sheriff’s deputies
- Eaton police
- Albany police
- Area firefighters
- Indiana Department of Natural Resources personnel
- Indiana State Police
Searchers used drones, boats and teams walking along the riverbank. An Indiana State Police helicopter was also involved in Thursday’s search.
However, conditions on the river continued to deteriorate.
Chief Deputy Jeff Stanley said water levels were rising and the combination of a swift current and significant debris created unsafe conditions for boats and personnel.
The search was suspended at approximately 2 p.m. Thursday, August 13.
Why Was the Search Suspended?
Authorities said the decision was made primarily for the safety of first responders and volunteers.
The Mississinewa River had become increasingly dangerous because of rising water levels, strong currents and debris.
Stanley emphasized that the search would resume when conditions become safe enough for crews to return.
“We will not give up,” Stanley said.
He added that authorities would remain committed to the search until the family receives the answers they deserve.
Matthew Morey Missing in Indiana
The missing person has been identified in the information provided as Matthew Morey.
Morey is an 18-year-old associated with the Muncie area. He was a member of the Delta High School boys varsity basketball team, where he wore jersey No. 20 and played as a small forward and shooting guard.
According to his basketball profile, Morey was listed as a member of the Class of 2026 and had played for Delta High School’s varsity team since 2021.
His connection to local school and sports communities has led to an outpouring of concern as the search continues.
Matthew Morey Basketball Profile
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Matthew Morey |
| Age | 18 |
| Area | Muncie, Indiana |
| School | Delta High School |
| Graduating class | 2026 |
| Basketball number | #20 |
| Positions | SF, SG |
| Height | 5’10” |
| Weight | 150 lbs |
| Team | Delta High School Boys Varsity Basketball |
| Incident | Entered Mississinewa River |
| Date last seen/incident | August 12, 2026 |
| Location | Gregory Road bridge area near Albany, Indiana |
| Current status | Missing |
Candlelight Vigil Planned for Matthew Morey
A candlelight vigil for Matthew Morey is planned for Friday, August 14, 2026, at 8 p.m.
The vigil is scheduled to take place at:
Union Chapel
4622 North Broadway
Muncie, Indiana
The gathering is expected to provide an opportunity for friends, relatives and members of the community to come together, pray and show support for Morey’s family while the search remains ongoing.
Authorities Continue Search Efforts
Although Thursday’s search was suspended, authorities stressed that the operation had not been abandoned.
Officials said crews would return to the river once water levels recede and conditions become safe.
The difficult conditions demonstrate the risks facing search-and-rescue personnel working in flooded waterways. Officials have made the safety of rescuers a priority while continuing to work toward locating the missing teenager.
Stanley said the department’s thoughts and prayers remain with Morey’s family during the difficult situation.
Community Awaits Answers
For Morey’s family and friends, the uncertainty is particularly painful.
The search began after an evening outing with several young people turned into an emergency. Three people were located, but Morey remained missing as authorities continued searching the river and its banks.
The planned vigil gives the community an opportunity to stand alongside the family while they wait for further developments.
At this point, Matthew Morey’s status remains missing, and the information provided does not establish his condition or confirm his whereabouts.
Authorities are expected to continue the search when river conditions permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Matthew Morey still missing?
Yes. Based on the information provided, Matthew Morey remained missing after entering the Mississinewa River on August 12, 2026. Three other people who entered the water were found.
What happened to Matthew Morey?
Authorities said four people entered the rain-swollen Mississinewa River from an iron bridge along Gregory Road near Albany. Three were located, while the fourth person, identified as Morey, was not found.
Why was the search for Matthew Morey suspended?
The search was suspended because rising water levels, swift currents and significant debris created dangerous conditions for boats, search teams and other first responders.
When is the Matthew Morey candlelight vigil?
A candlelight vigil is scheduled for 8 p.m. Friday, August 14, 2026, at Union Chapel, 4622 North Broadway, Muncie, Indiana.
Where did Matthew Morey attend school?
Morey was associated with Delta High School and played on its boys varsity basketball team. His profile lists him as a Class of 2026 player who wore No. 20 and played small forward and shooting guard.