Mysterious Case of a Man Missing Since 1984 Unfolds in Valencia

In a startling and poignant revelation, the daughters of Miguel Morales, a man who vanished in 1984, have discovered that their father lived a secretive life in Valencia before his tragic death in the recent floods.

The Disappearance and Life Off the Radar

Miguel Morales, originally from Granada, disappeared without a trace in 1984, leaving behind his wife and two young daughters, Sara and her older sister. At the time of his disappearance, Sara was just one year old, and her sister was three. Despite the family's efforts and a missing person report filed by his wife, Miguel's whereabouts remained a mystery for over four decades.

During his time in Granada, Miguel had struggled with mental health issues and was known to occasionally disappear for short periods, typically two to three days. However, his prolonged absence led to a declaration of his death in 2016, retroactively dated to 1994, as per the Spanish civil code which presumes death after 10 years.

The Discovery in Valencia

In November 2023, the Guardia Civil contacted Miguel's family to inform them that his body had been found in an orange field in Quart de Poblet, Valencia. The body was identified through his fingerprint, which matched the one on his first DNI identity card. It is believed that his body was dragged by flood torrents from another area during the devastating Valencia floods in October 2023.

Sara, now an adult, described the shocking moment when she received the news: "The Guardia Civil called us in mid-November because nobody claimed his body after they identified him via his fingerprint." She added that her father had no current documentation on him, highlighting the extent to which he had lived off the radar.

A Life Without Documentation

Miguel's life in Valencia was marked by complete anonymity. He had no ID, no bank account, no medical card, and no medical history. He never applied for a state pension and was classified as homeless by local associations. Despite his presence in Valencia, nobody knew anything about him, a testament to his isolated and secretive existence.

Family's Reaction and Final Farewell

The discovery brought a mix of emotions for the family, who had long given up hope of ever finding out what happened to Miguel. Sara and her sister arranged for his cremation in Valencia, and his ashes were later transferred to Granada for a final farewell.

This extraordinary case underscores the complexities and mysteries that can surround human lives, even in the most unexpected ways. For the Morales family, the closure, though bittersweet, brings an end to a decades-long search for answers about their father's fate.