The body of Steve Asplund, a Moline, Illinois, man missing for 28 years, has been found in ºüÀêÊÓƵ County.
Police said Monday they believe Asplund went into the river on his own volition near the Interstate 74 Bridge in Bettendorf, Iowa, became entangled in a barge and was dragged down river.
Asplund was last seen on Jan. 9, 1994, when he went to borrow a caulking gun from a friend. He was reported missing by his fiancee on Jan. 10, and investigators found his car parked in Bettendorf to the east of the Interstate 74 Bridge.
When they searched the car, police found no evidence of foul play and nothing that hinted at Asplund’s whereabouts, according to previous reporting.
The Moline Police Department announced they’d found his body in a news conference Monday.
Asplund’s family released a statement thanking police and others in the community for their continued commitment to finding his body:
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“Thanks to all the media for shining light on Steve’s disappearance today, and over the past 29 years. The news, while bittersweet, will allow us some closure. We’ll still think of Steve every day, and miss him just the same, but these answers will provide comfort to us and his friends.
“We would like to thank the hundreds of people who attended the vigils, and helped with searches we did when he first disappeared. The community support and concern has meant a lot to us, and we appreciate it more than we can possibly express.
“We’d also like to thank the Moline Police Department, and all the detectives who have been involved over the years, but we would especially like to thank Detective Mike Griffin, who’s been working with us for many years now. He has stayed in touch and communicated with us even when there wasn’t anything new to report. He’s a good man ... and his compassion, and concern for getting us answers has always been obvious. We feel blessed that he became involved in the case.
“We would also like to thank the Doctor of Forensic Anthropology for the ºüÀêÊÓƵ County Medical Examiner’s office, Dr. Lindsay Trammell and Forensic Scientist Aaron Small from the Illinois State Police. Without their assistance we might never have known what happened. Their work will allow us to bring Steve back home, and we thank you for that.
“Thanks to everyone for your concern over the years, and know that it has been appreciated.â€
The statement was signed Mike Asplund, who is Steve Asplund’s brother.