After more than four years of not knowing and four weeks of grief, the O’Keeffe family have announced that they will be laying their beloved Daniel to rest.
Daniel‘s father found the 24-year-old’s remains in a small cavity beneath the family home last month, putting a tragic end to a long-running mystery.
The Geelong man disappeared from the Highton property on the morning of July 15, 2011, but never returned.
“This community has played such an important role in our lives and we are sincerely grateful,” it reads. “We want to let you know that Dan will be laid to rest this Friday and ask that you keep us in your thoughts.”
“You are wonderful people – we couldn’t have coped without you.”
via Facebook/dancomehome
The post has been flooded with comments of support and sympathy for the family, with several offering congratulations to Daniel's sister Loren for her achievements in missing person's awareness.
Loren quit her job in 2011 to devote her time to finding Daniel, and in the process established MPAN - an organisation that aims to provide practical support to family and friends of those who go missing.
Daniel and his sister Loren. Supplied.
Daniel had been suffering from anxiety and depression prior to his disappearance on July 15 2011.
As Loren previously wrote for Mamamia, "He was incomprehensibly upset – it didn't make sense to him or me. He’s young, fit, strong, intelligent, grounded and surrounded by love. I didn't understand that none of that matters when you’re depressed."
Exactly what happened to Daniel is still unknown.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
For help or information contact Lifeline 131 114 or beyondblue 1300 224 636.
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