DOVER — A Dover Air Force Base senior airman reported missing in early February was declared deceased on Tuesday.

Senior Airman Keifer Huhman

Keifer Huhman, of the 436th Communications Squadron, was last seen on Feb. 7 leaving in a truck found unoccupied roughly four hours later on the shoulder of the William V. Roth Jr. Bridge over the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal about 35 miles north of Dover.

436th Airlift Wing commander Col. Michael Grismer reviewed “all investigative evidence and in accordance with current Air Force guidance” and made the declaration, according to a news release.

“This decision was made with a heavy heart,” Col. Grismer said.

“Each of us is heartbroken by the loss of our wingman, Keifer. In moments like this, all of Team Dover feels the impact of such tragedy. Our most sincere condolences go out to Keifer’s family, friends and teammates here at Team Dover.

“We also thank all our local authorities for their professionalism, compassion and tireless efforts in searching for Senior Airman Keifer Huhman.”

On Wednesday, a Dover Police Department spokesman said the investigation was open and no updates were available.

“The facts surrounding the incident are under investigation and further information cannot be provided,” a DAFB news release stated.

On Feb. 11, Dover Police announced it was working with the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations after the senior airman’s family filed a missing person’s report the day before.

DAFB said its investigation began on Feb. 8 when Senior Airman Huhman did not report to work that morning.

According to authorities, Senior Airman Huhman was seen leaving his residence in Blue Hen Apartments, in Dover, in a 1997 Ford Ranger between 6 and 6:30 p.m. The Delaware State Police towed the vehicle from the Roth Bridge at about 10 p.m. that night.