Ex-Spartans LB Goes Missing After Suspicious Behavior
It is a difficult time for the Darden household right now. A former San Jose State Spartan linebacker has reportedly gone missing after his family urged him to seek therapy.
Hadari Darden, who played for the San Jose Spartans from 2018 to 2021, a college football standout, was reportedly last seen at the Skyline Plaza shopping in Daly City.
This was also the place where police officers spoke to Darden after he was acting suspiciously.
“I don’t know how to feel right now,” Darden’s mother, Hanifea Click, told NBC. “I’m angry, I’m sad, I’m hurt, I just want to find my son.”
According to NBC Bay Area, Hadari Darden was approached by Daly City police at the Skyline Plaza shopping center early Sunday morning, around 5:15-5:30 AM, following a report of a suspicious person.
After a brief interaction in which he appeared coherent, wearing a black hoodie, green joggers, and carrying an Army backpack, officers allowed him to leave.
The uncertainty of a child's whereabouts is a difficult situation for any parent. This is the first time the linebacker has disappeared amidst growing concerns about his behavior.
His mother, Hanifea, further added that her son appeared to be normal, leaving the officers to walk away from the situation.
“It’s a concern for me for him to even be in this area right now; he doesn’t know anyone,” said Click. “I’ve been concerned about some things that I have noticed for some time now, and I’ve tried to talk to him and encourage therapy.”
The community is hoping for his safe return as the search continues.
What Are Some Updates on the Situation?
The Darden family last heard from Darden when he went for a haircut appointment in Oakland, California, on Saturday.
The linebacker was scheduled to be back for a family get-together on Sunday, but he did not show up, and that was a red flag.
The 28-year-old who works for Kaiser did not show up for work on Monday.
“He has love from the whole community, from his team members, college mates, teachers, coaches,” his uncle Steven Jefferson said. “Just everybody is looking for Hadari right now. We all love him, and we want him home.”
The Berkeley Police Department has confirmed that there is no evidence of foul play. The investigation is active and ongoing.
The description states Darden is a 6-foot-3 African American man with black hair and brown eyes, weighing 200 pounds.
This is a difficult time for the whole family. Everyone is hoping that he is found soon and returns to his family.
