The body of a 39-year-old Air Force veteran and father was discovered inside a pipe at an abandoned energy plant on North Main Street in Fort Worth, months after he was first reported missing in early June.
Two teenagers stumbled upon the remains of Adam McClure White on August 19 while wandering the grounds of the old industrial property. White had last been seen at a Fort Worth courthouse where he was attempting to secure custody of his 5-year-old son.
His mother told NBC 5 that the family was waiting for him to return home from the courthouse and became alarmed when he never arrived. White was reported missing shortly after and his disappearance went unsolved for several months before the grim discovery was made.
Friends and family described White as a devoted father, skilled engineer and someone who had a natural ability to lift the spirits of those around him. Lorelle Podchalski who counted herself among his closest friends said he was the kind of person who made everyone smile and that his loss has left a deep void.
“A good man lost his life” Podchalski said expressing her disbelief at the circumstances surrounding his death.
The Fort Worth Police Department confirmed that homicide detectives are currently investigating but said they do not suspect foul play at this time. The department stated that the Medical Examiner will be responsible for determining the official cause and manner of death as the investigation continues.
Questions surrounding exactly how White ended up at the abandoned property remain unanswered. The gap between his disappearance in early June and the discovery of his body in mid-August has added to the confusion and grief felt by those who knew him.
White’s family is now working to have his remains transported back to Florida where they reside. He is being remembered as a man of strong character who served his country and devoted himself to the people in his life.
