We've been following news of the death of Garvin Roberson.
A staple of the Elkhart community and the brother of Elkhart Mayor Rod Roberson.
A silver alert was issued for him Monday after he was last seen driving his SUV on Sunday.
According to Elkhart County Police, the vehicle was located near Fawn River Road and White School Road near Sturgis, Michigan.
It was submerged in water, with Garvin inside.
Mayor Roberson says he and his family are devastated.
And it goes beyond his immediate family. Garvin Roberson wore many hats in the Elkhart community.
Tonight, the entire city is remembering and reflecting on his life.
The Elkhart community say it's been a gut-wrenching week searching for 70-year-old Garvin Roberson.
And the news of his death Friday afternoon, even harder to stomach.
“It was difficult to walk into any place and people not ask the question 'have you heard anything?' and it just goes to show how loved Garvin is and was in this community,” said Levon Johnson, Elkhart Chamber of Commerce President.
Johnson says his relationship with Garvin Roberson goes way back. And, like many others in the city, they met through sports.
Roberson was named prep All-American in football and basketball and named All-Big Ten as a wide receiver for the University of Illinois.
He went on to pass on his passion as a teacher.
Johnson says he watched Roberson coach football, girls’ basketball, boys’ basketball, girls’ track, and, most importantly, life itself.
After years in the classroom and on the field, he says Roberson's enthusiasm for the Elkhart community and dedication to young people will be a lasting legacy.
“Individuals from 80 to, I’ve got a son that’s 18 that knows of Garvin and knows his exploits. That range of interacting with him and know him and love him has been an unbelievable, passionate advocate for the Elkhart community and as a longtime coach,” said Johnson.
And it's a legacy Johnson says he's proud Roberson has put on the map.
“A couple of memories one that came back to me this afternoon was a couple years ago me and my son went to the regional NCA basketball tournament down in Louisville and the gentleman in front of us asked where we were from and we said from Elkhart’s and he goes oh I grew up in Illinois Garvin RobersonI kind of laughed and he went on to talk about Garvin and his time at the University of Illinois couple stats in that sort of thing and I remember looking at my son and saying Elkhart, Indiana, known for RVs and Garvin Roberson,” said Johnson.
Mayor Roberson offered a statement today thanking police for their dedication and professionalism as they worked to find his brother.
He also asked for prayers for his family, Garvin, and the lives he touched.
Original Story:
Breaking and sad news from Elkhart.
The subject of a Silver Alert issued this week was found dead in his car.
According to Elkhart County Police, 70 year-old Garvin Roberson was found near Sturgis, Michigan. Garvin Roberson is the brother of Elkhart Mayor Rod Roberson.
Garvin was last seen on Sunday.
A sad ending to a search that’s lasted several days.
Today, Mayor Roberson released a statement saying the family is devastated.
The Silver Alert was issued Monday, after Garvin Roberson was last seen driving his 2022 Honda CRV.
Police told WSBT 22 his car was found in the area of Fawn River Road and White School Road near Sturgis Michigan, submerged in water.
Garvin Roberson was found dead inside the SUV.
Police have NOT released any more details about Garvin Roberson’s death.
We do know, when the Silver Alert was first issued, police stated he was believed to be in extreme danger and may require medical assistance.
Earlier this week, Mayor Roberson told us his brother was dealing with several health issues.
A short time ago, Mayor Roberson released the following statement, “We are devastated to learn that my brother Garvin has passed away as we have remained hopeful for his safe return over the past week. His family and fiancé Deb are appreciative of your prayers and support during this time. We have felt the love of this entire community.”
Mayor Roberson also expressed his gratitude to police for their dedication and professionalism as they worked to find Garvin.
Garvin Roberson was very well-known in the Elkhart Community, most notably as a star high school athlete, coach, and teacher.