Body of a central IA man missing since Nov. 2025 found Saturday in a DsM creek

News

January 11th, 2026 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines police are investigating after a body was recovered Saturday morning. According to a press release, first responders were called a little after 11:15 a.m., Saturday, to investigate a report of a person in the Fourmile Creek near E. 33rd Street and Hubbell Avenue. When they arrived, they found the body of a man who was subsequently identified 45-year-old David Earleywine.
Earleywine had previously been reported as a missing person in late November 2025. Multiple search efforts by law enforcement, family, and friends were conducted, however David was not located.
The preliminary investigation found no obvious indications of traumatic injury or criminal circumstances. The Polk County Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct a forensic investigation to determine cause and manner of death.

Police are continuing to investigate.