Daughter Seeks Answers Ten Years After Father’s Disappearance

The daughter of a man who disappeared a decade ago describes her current situation as a “constant nightmare,” expressing her sole desire to uncover what transpired. Damion Vernon, originally from Bridlington, East Yorkshire, was 32 years old when he was last observed walking down an alleyway in Wakefield on 8 December 2014. He has not been seen or heard from since that date. Courtney Vernon, now 23, characterized her father as “the kindest, funniest, bubbliest person.” She pleaded: “Please, if you know anything, just find it in your heart to speak out. I’ve had this for 10 years and I don’t think I can go through another 10.” She further added: “Regardless of whether it’s positive or negative, then my mind can rest. “I hope that if he’s passed, he’s at peace. But I won’t be at peace until I know.” Humberside Police has issued a renewed appeal for information regarding Mr. Vernon, who remains officially classified as a missing person. CCTV footage captured him waiting in line at the TSB Bank on Manor Street, Bridlington – this represents the last confirmed sighting on the day of his disappearance. Officers believe he subsequently traveled by car to Wakefield. His route encompassed the A64, M62, A655, and A645, where he made a stop at a BP filling station. He proceeded towards Wakefield on the A638 Doncaster Road, before turning right onto Elm Tree Road and then immediately left onto Sycamore Street. There, he left his Vauxhall Corsa and was seen walking into an alleyway situated between houses. The vehicle was later discovered in the identical location. His mobile phone and bank cards have shown no activity, and no body has been recovered. Ms. Vernon was a teenager at the time. She recalled the close-knit family’s surprise when her father failed to appear for dinner that evening. Her grandmother quickly became concerned. “She rang the police and said, ‘I think there’s something wrong’. “She never recovered. She died of a broken heart four months after my dad went missing.” Ms. Vernon’s mother passed away in 2021, and she stated she struggles to get through each day. ‘I’ve done it for 10 years. It’s like a routine having to cope. It’s the hope that kills you,” she said. “We just need closure as a family. Whatever the outcome is, I think we deserve to know what happened. “I have so many questions. The amount of scenarios I’ve gone through in my head – there are so many different outcomes and possibilities. You try to piece it all together.” Acting Chief Inspector Owen Stafford emphasized that it was “most important” to provide comfort to the family, “even if the news is not positive.” He also appealed directly: “Get in touch Damion. You’ve got a daughter and two grandchildren. Courtney wants to see you. She misses you.” Her involvement in the appeal to locate her father, which includes regular social media posts, has given her a sense of making a positive contribution. “If anyone knows anything about my dad then I hope they can speak out in some way.”My main question is why? Why is it him that’s gone, and why is nobody speaking out, because someone must know something? “With it being 10 years, this is the worst I’ve felt. This is a whole decade without my dad.” Courtney noted that Christmas, a holiday her father particularly enjoyed, was an especially challenging time. “We’d always get him aftershave for Christmas, because he loved it, and when I smell it, that reminds me of him. “Every Christmas, every birthday, every anniversary, we raise a glass to him.” Anyone with information is urged to contact the police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting log 125 of 2 December 2024. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be reached anonymously on 0800 555 111.