The Riley County Police Department was contacted by the Utah Highway Patrol in reference to a single vehicle fatality accident involving a maroon in color Pontiac
Montana van. The fatality accident reportedly occurred on Interstate Highway 70 approximately forty-seven miles west of Green River, Utah. Utah Highway Patrol was able to positively identify the deceased driver and sole occupant of the Pontiac Montana van as missing Manhattan resident David Welch.
Evidence located at the scene indicates the accident occurred on September 3, 2013, but was not discovered due to the vehicle’s location being at the bottom of a ravine that could not be seen by highway traffic. A hitchhiker reportedly discovered the accident earlier today while walking alongside the highway.
Utah Highway Patrol is still actively investigating the fatality accident at this time.
Information released on September 18, 2013:
On September 2, 2013 at approximately 8:30 PM, David Welch, 54, of Manhattan, Kansas left his home in a maroon Pontiac Montana van with Kansas license plates without expressing where he was going to friends and family. Riley County Police were contacted and when made aware, checked areas around Manhattan for Welch but were unsuccessful in locating him. At the time of the initial call to police, there was no reason to believe that he was in danger.
On September 3, 2013, police were contacted by Welch’s family and informed that he had not returned home. At this time officers confirmed that there was no reason to believe Welch was currently in danger of harm or had known medical issues that may cause him to be in danger. Riley County Police notified law enforcement agencies in areas around the country where it was possible that Welch may have gone. A police information report for missing persons was filed on September 6, 2013. Riley County Police briefed the local media of the filing of this report on September 9, 2013.
As of September 18, 2013, David Welch is still considered missing and those with information are encouraged to contact the Riley County Police Department by phone at (785) 537-2112.