Tracy Leturgey

Search parties Saturday didn’t find the body of missing 59-year-old Darlene Harbison, who was originally from Butler County. But search organizers consider it a successful endeavor.

Harbison’s mother, Charlotte Ruedinger, of Herman, said more than 100 people joined the search throughout the day Saturday, Oct. 8. People set off at 10 a.m. to search road sides, parks and ditches in Frazer Township, where Harbison lived, and West Deer Township and parts of Indiana County, with some searchers not returning until 6 p.m.

In addition to crossing many searchable areas off the list, Ruedinger said the support demonstrated by strangers gave her hope — in humanity.

“It was such a beautiful feeling that so many people were there and showed their love for people they don't know,” Ruedinger said. “It brought a lot of people together, a lot of love showed for humanity from strangers, friends and family.”

Harbison, who graduated from Butler Area High School and had been living in Frazer Township, Allegheny County, was last seen Sept. 11, according to family members. After returning home from a camping trip with her daughter, no one was able to reach her.

Harbison’s daughter asked police to do a welfare check on her mother Sept. 11, Ruedinger said. According to Frazer police, Harbison’s disappearance is being investigated by Allegheny County homicide detectives after the welfare check raised concern.

“We called homicide detectives that same day,” said Terry Kuhns, chief of Frazer Township police. “It became apparent to me we needed to contact the detectives ... in a matter of hours.”

Kuhns said Harbison’s boyfriend, Eric Gibbs, 57, was considered a suspect in her disappearance. He was found dead by apparent suicide on Sept. 15 in West Deer Township, police said.

Harbison’s family organized the search Saturday to cover a 5-mile radius that police mapped out. Ruedinger said Harbison’s body may be found in what might be a crime scene.

Ruedinger said searchers are also looking for her daughter’s motorcycle. She believes the motorcycle and Harbison’s body could be together in an effort “to make it look like an accident,” Ruedinger said.

Ruedinger said two cars filled with people were continuing to search for Harbison on Sunday, Oct. 9. She said she is uncertain right now if the family will organize any more search efforts.

Having been touched by the sympathy of so many people Saturday, Ruedinger said she is now pursuing closure.

“Our prayer is we find Darlene's body, so we have some closure,” Ruedinger said. “We are doing our best.”

Officials are asking anyone who saw Harbison, Gibbs or either of Gibbs’ vehicles — a blue Chevy Cobalt and a silver Ford F-150 — from around Sept. 10 to Sept. 13 to contact police. Investigators can be reached via the tip line at 1-833-255-8477 or on social media. Callers may remain anonymous.