The months-long search for a missing man has led to the discovery of his vehicle in the East Fork of the San Jacinto River off CR 388 in Cleveland, Texas. Authorities have confirmed that the submerged vehicle belonged to John Bradley Benford, who has been missing since May 2024. However, his body has not been found, and authorities acknowledge that it may never be recovered.
Benford was last seen leaving his job in Cleburne, Texas, heading toward the Splendora area in northern Liberty County where he lived. He never arrived at his destination, prompting an extensive search effort by the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators concentrated their efforts near CR 388 after cell phone data indicated that Benford’s phone last pinged in that location. It is feared that severe flooding in May 2024 may have contributed to his vehicle being swept off the roadway and into the river.
On Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, Capt. David Meyers, a spokesperson for the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, was notified by Adventures with a Purpose, a volunteer search organization, that they had located a vehicle submerged in the river. When authorities arrived, they confirmed that the vehicle was registered to Benford. It was found approximately 100 yards from the bridge, submerged in about 1.5 to 2 feet of water.
Capt. Meyers then contacted the Baytown Police Department’s dive team for assistance. Divers examined the vehicle and confirmed that Benford was not inside. The vehicle was later recovered from the river with the help of J&J Wrecker Service.
While the vehicle’s discovery provides some clues, Benford remains missing, and the investigation is ongoing. The Liberty County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest gratitude to all individuals and agencies involved in the recovery operation, including Adventures with a Purpose, the Baytown Police Department’s dive team, and J&J Wrecker Service.
Authorities encourage anyone with information regarding Benford’s disappearance to contact Investigator Danny McMullan at 936-336-4500.
Name of the search team is Adventures with Purpose
I am Brad’s sister. Jared and the team at Adventures with Purpose have been incredible. They are a nonprofit group that helps families like mine search and if possible recovery lost loved ones. It is because of Jared and his team, that we now have some answers to what happened to Brad. Please donate any amount (I did) to assist them in their mission of helping families and aiding law enforcement.
https://adventureswithpurpose.com/products/make-a-donation