Brad Benford was last seen at a convenience store in New Waverly, Texas, around 10:02 PM on May 18, 2024. Surveillance footage confirmed that he left the store alone and locked his vehicle. His phone pinged near Cleveland, Texas, but shortly after, he vanished without a trace on his way home.
Brad’s car, a Mitsubishi Mirage, was in poor condition with a questionable tire, raising concerns that mechanical failure might have played a role in his disappearance, or that being diabetic, he could have had a medical emergency. Given the recent flooding in the area, his family feared he might have encountered treacherous road conditions on his way home.
Brad’s sister reached out to Adventures With Purpose (AWP), where they took on the case with their methodical approach. The team started by gathering information from Brad’s sister, local law enforcement, and records of his last phone signal. They identified multiple potential locations where his car could have ended up, especially areas prone to flooding and bodies of water along his route home. The team noted that local authorities had already conducted searches using helicopters and game wardens in kayaks, but no solid leads had emerged.
Given Brad’s diabetic condition, medical complications were also considered as a possible factor in his disappearance. AWP speculated that he could have suffered a medical emergency, causing him to veer off the road into a body of water or thick brush along his route home. Another theory was that he had attempted to turn around on a flooded road, misjudged the conditions, and ended up in the river.
AWP deployed their small inflatable boat with sonar to scan various water bodies near Brad’s last known location. After thorough searching, they identified a submerged vehicle approximately 80 yards downriver from a bridge. The car was upside down in six to seven feet of water, with its front windows rolled down. This discovery aligned with their hypothesis that the flooding had caused Brad’s vehicle to be swept away.
Throughout the process, AWP maintained communication with Brad’s sister, providing regular updates and explaining their findings. When the vehicle was confirmed to be Brad’s, they reached out to her immediately. She held onto a small hope that he may had run off to Mexico or somewhere warm with a hottie in tow to start a new life, but she just knew he wouldn't do that to her. This discovery changed Angie's hope that Brad would ever come home. The team prepared her for the likely reality that he had been lost to the river.
Although Brad’s body was not located, his sister was given answers about his fate. The tragic reality was that had become a victim of flash flooding after ignoring a ‘ROAD CLOSED’ sign, underestimating the dangers of rising waters. Angie devastated yet grateful for the search efforts, reflected on his life and the impact he had on those around him.
In a final conversation between Jared and Angie, she shared her deep love for her brother. "He was the best guy, you know? He had a wicked sense of humor and a heart for animals. He would feed stray cats and dogs just because he couldn’t stand to see them hungry. He never wanted to hurt anyone’s feelings." As reality set in, she expressed gratitude to AWP for their dedication, though the pain of losing Brad was evident.
Angie left a final message for everyone: **"Turn Around, Don’t Drown."** She urged others never to underestimate the power of rising water. "If Brad’s story can save just one life, then at least something good comes out of this tragedy. People need to know—it’s not worth the risk. Just turn around."
This case serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the dangers of flooded roads. AWP, through their unwavering commitment, provided Brad’s family with much-needed closure and ensured that his story will serve as a lesson for others facing similar situations.
Brad, you are deeply loved and will never be forgotten. 🕊️❤️
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