Police report finding body of missing Ann Arbor man
Ann Arbor police said they have found the body of a man who has been missing since last week.
A police officer on routine patrol found Herbert Richard Harmsen, 60, dead in his vehicle around 1 p.m. Saturday in a remote area on the city’s south side.
Police have ruled the death as a suicide. Harmsen was reported to be suffering from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
He had been missing since Dec. 28, and police believe he may have been in that location since that time.
“He has PTSD and depression and it got the better of him,” police Detective William Stanford said.
Police declined to release additional details.
Harmsen is survived by his wife and at least one daughter, Stanford said.
Resources exist in Washtenaw County for people who may be experiencing thoughts of suicide. Anyone in that circumstance is urged to get immediate help. 1-800-273-TALK (8255) is a 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Hotline (Military veterans press #1 ). 734-662-2222 Ozone House is a 24 hour hotline for youth. 734-996-4747 is a 24-hour hotline at U of M Psychiatric Emergency Services.
Comments
JW
Fri, May 11, 2012 : 1:38 a.m.
"Ann Arbor police said they have found the body of a man who has been missing since last week." "He had been missing since Dec. 28, and police believe he may have been in that location since that time." Something not right here. But it is sad that no one could help him with his depression before he disappeared, not matter how long ago.
a2grad
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 5:28 a.m.
This is so sad. I was hoping he would be found :( My thoughts are with his family. Rest in Peace.
Ann English
Mon, Jan 2, 2012 : 11:59 p.m.
A police officer on routine patrol? I know they were watching for speeders on the freeway ring on New Year's Day morning, for I saw a car stopped by the police on westbound M-14 then. So "south part of town" sounds like off I-94 or US-23 at the south side of Ann Arbor. Traffic was most likely relatively light for that police officer, so he was freer to notice what caught his peripheral vision.
bluecollar
Tue, Jan 3, 2012 : 11:15 p.m.
You rock!!!
Bob Bethune
Mon, Jan 2, 2012 : 2:35 p.m.
I don't understand where this "remote area" could possibly be. There is nowhere in Ann Arbor that is "remote" from anything.
BornNRaised
Tue, Jan 3, 2012 : 3:20 p.m.
Yes, there are remote areas on the south side. There's more than what you can just see from the road.
Out-of-Towner
Mon, Jan 2, 2012 : 6:44 p.m.
I suppose a remote area would be one that is not easily visible from generally populated areas... Like between State Street and Main Street behind Edwards Brothers, or the Scarlett-Mitchell Nature area. Sad outcome, My thoughts are with his family...
Craig Lounsbury
Mon, Jan 2, 2012 : 5:13 p.m.
I was wondering the same thing. He was found by City police according to the story. Would they patrol outside the city limits?
CincoDeMayo
Mon, Jan 2, 2012 : 4:41 p.m.
But that's what it said, "A remote area on the CITY'S south side." Maybe it was actually in one of the southern townships, Pittsfield or Lodi. Anyway, I feel bad that he wasn't found for so long. Most importantly my heart aches for the family. My prayers and sympathy go out to them.
proudtobeme
Mon, Jan 2, 2012 : 3:58 p.m.
there are plenty of remote areas in Ann Arbor,unless you are talking about the "city" . There are many remote areas in Scio Township,north out by Plymouth road,etc. I can think of many remote areas in A2.
lisasimpson
Sun, Jan 1, 2012 : 11:47 p.m.
I think it's great that annarbor.com posts information about suicide resources with articles on suicide to minimize suicide contagion.
Cash
Sun, Jan 1, 2012 : 9:44 p.m.
So very sad. My sympathy to the family. Be at peace, Mr Harmsen. Is it fair to report if this poor soul was a veteran? I am guessing he was.
moretothestory
Sun, Jan 1, 2012 : 9:17 p.m.
Bless your soul Mr. Harmsen. My thoughts go out to his family. So sad.