Into thin air: Desmond O’Keeffe with a poster about son Daniel.
ERIN PEARSON
DESMOND O’Keeffe knows the bond between a father and son is special.
He’s desperate to feel that bond again.
Mr O’Keeffe’s 24-year-old son, Daniel, went missing from his Highton home three weeks ago.
Daniel’s bank account and mobile phone remain unused since he disappeared. Police hold grave concerns for his welfare.
Mr O’Keeffe said Daniel’s disappearance was out character.
His family, like thousands around the country, appealed for help during National Missing Persons Week from August 1 to 6.
“I’m an optimist by nature, so I hope this will turn out all right,” Mr O’Keeffe said as he struggled to maintain composure.
“It’s just the not knowing. It eats you up.
“We’ve had Daniel in our lives for 24 years, so you can’t rationalise this. ”
Victoria Police said more than 7000 Victorians went missing each year.
Research found that each disappearance “affected” another 12 people, police said.
Mr O’Keeffe thanked the community for its support as his family searched for Daniel.
“It gives you some sense of satisfaction with the human race,” he said.
“But we just want to know whether he’s okay.”
Police are also seeking information about Queenscliff’s Andrew Oleenik, who disappeared in 2005 after attending an appointment in Geelong.
Police said anyone with information about missing persons could phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
