'I Haven't Given Up:' Family, Friends Of Missing Man Begin Search Efforts Near Kiefer

The family and some friends of Derek Reece helped police search 120 acres near Kiefer, in hopes of finding any sign of him.

Reece was last seen in October 2022 at the Bethesda Boys home, where he was working.

His father, Lloyd Reece, of Owasso, said “Thanksgiving came, I sent him a few texts and didn't hear from him and that's when all this started.”

The Reece family said Derek had a history of drug abuse but had completed rehabilitation.

The family called the Kiefer Police Department in March of this year after exhausting their own efforts to find him.

The Muscogee Creek Nation Lighthorse Police and MCN Emergency Management coordinated the search of the Boys Home property, including the dorm where Reece last was known to live, and the property surrounding it. 

“This was the last place he was seen and known to be,” said Captain Jere Smith with the MCN Special Operations Team, “so we're trying to exhaust everything we can here, and when we're done here, we'll reach out from there.”

The family searched mainly open pasture land, walking, while law enforcement searched more wooded areas with ATVs and two drones. A dive team could be called in later.

Derek's family was part of the search, and his father said he believes his son is still alive, and possibly just not staying in touch.

“I feel like he's OK, alive somewhere, I haven't given up on that, but it sure is a long time to not know,” he said.

Related: Muscogee Nation Authorities Readied To Begin Searches For Missing Man