David Koenig: Remains of missing MMA fighter found after almost two years
Branson, Missouri - Almost two years after he disappeared without a trace, the mystery of missing MMA fighter David Koenig got its tragic resolution.
Koenig's remains, along with personal items, were discovered by a man searching for deer antlers in a wooded area near Branson, Missouri, according to the Springfield News-Leader.
Koenig was last seen alive on February 8, 2020, when he checked into the Peach Tree Inn motel not far from the scene. The fighter reportedly sent messages to friends before his disappearance, asking for their help.
It's still unclear what exactly lead to his tragic death. A statement by the Branson Police Department ruled out foul play after forensic examinations found no trauma.
The mysterious nature of the case led to speculation that Koenig had been murdered, but his mother, Tracey Koenig, put a stop to any theories.
"He was not shot, stabbed, no broken bones of any sort," she wrote on the Facebook group dedicated to her son's disappearance. "He wasn’t robbed, as his tattered wallet was still in tact as well as the two silver necklaces he always (wore) amongst some other things."
"Nobody killed Dave. Nobody! He left the Peachtree on foot and never made it home. Why he was in distress, and why he walked through the deep woods…..we most likely will never know," her post continued.
A tragic end to years of searching
The grieving mother now wants the rumors and conspiracy theories around the tragedy to stop. "We do not want or need to here your thoughts on what could have happened. It won’t bring him back, and we are in enough pain already," Tracey Koenig added.
In her lengthy post, she also thanked the more than 14,000 members of the Facebook group for their support and help in searching for David Koenig.
Volunteers had combed the woods, handed out fliers across the country, and supported the family financially with billboards and private investigators. "Dave would feel so honored and loved," she concluded.
Tracey Koenig also announced a "Ride for Big Dave" memorial event, to be held Thursday in Branson.
Cover photo: Collage: Screenshot/Facebook/Mystery of the Missing Fighter