Body Recovered from Des Moines River Identified as Missing Man

Police say there are no signs of foul play in the death of Aaron Henry, who was reported missing last fall.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:58pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a water-damaged and partially submerged personal item, such as a wallet or cell phone, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark and gritty investigative aesthetic.The recovery of a personal item from the Des Moines River raises somber questions about the final moments of a missing man's life.Des Moines Today

Des Moines police have identified the body recovered from the Des Moines River on April 10 as Aaron Henry, a 35-year-old man who was reported missing last October. Henry was last seen walking from Broadlawns Medical Center on October 30, 2025, and police had previously asked for the public's help in locating him, noting that he had bipolar disorder and was without his essential medications.

Why it matters

The discovery of Henry's body brings closure to his family and the community, though the circumstances around his death remain unclear. Mental health issues and access to proper care continue to be an ongoing challenge, and this case highlights the need for better support systems for vulnerable individuals.

The details

According to a police news release, Henry's body was found in the Des Moines River west of E. 14th Street on April 10, 2026. Authorities say their investigation is ongoing, but they have found no indication of criminal circumstances contributing to Henry's death.

  • Aaron Henry was last seen on October 30, 2025, as he walked from Broadlawns Medical Center.
  • Police asked for the public's help in locating Henry in mid-November 2025.
  • Henry's body was recovered from the Des Moines River on April 10, 2026.

The players

Aaron Henry

A 35-year-old man who was reported missing last fall and whose body was later recovered from the Des Moines River.

Broadlawns Medical Center

The medical center from which Henry was last seen walking before he went missing.

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The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the ongoing challenges of supporting individuals with mental health issues and ensuring they have access to the care and resources they need. The community will likely continue to grapple with questions about Henry's final days and how to prevent similar outcomes in the future.