Mystery Surrounding Disappearance of 29-Year-Old Texas Chef Remains Unresolved One Year Later
Harley Morris was last seen in Tyler, Texas on January 21, 2024, sparking ongoing search efforts.
TYLER, TEXAS — One year after Harley Morris vanished, his family is still searching for answers and hoping for a breakthrough in the case.
The 29-year-old chef from Tyler was last seen on January 21, 2024. At the time, he had been living with his father, working as a chef at Prime 102, a local steakhouse. His mother, Wendi Attaway-Morris, who resides in Florida, described the strong bond between her son and his father. "They were best friends," she said. "They lived together, worked together, and were very close."
On the evening of January 20, Harley went out with friends to several bars in downtown Tyler, a routine he followed most Saturdays. Wendi explained that Harley didn’t have work the next day and was often out late on weekends. However, that night, he left his phone behind—a typical habit, according to his mother.
Harley later visited the 50 Grand Club with acquaintances, where he was seen on camera leaving the venue alone around 3:00 AM. Surveillance footage captured him walking down the street, with a brief appearance on a Ring camera. Although the footage was unclear, Wendi confirmed it was her son.
That was the last confirmed sighting of Harley Morris. Despite the release of a still image from the parking lot footage on the Tyler Police Department’s Facebook page, the full video has not been shared publicly.
Days after Harley’s disappearance, the police issued an updated post requesting that residents and businesses in the area check any cameras from 3:00 AM to 7:00 AM on January 21 for signs of someone walking. They also asked for information on items Harley was wearing that night, including a Prime 102 cap, black shoes, and a hoodie.
Wendi has made numerous attempts to obtain updates from the Tyler Police Department but has not yet received a response.
According to Wendi, it was Harley’s father who reported him missing. Bill Morris spoke emotionally to a local station on the anniversary of his son’s disappearance, expressing his frustration that the case remains unresolved. "The fact that nothing has transpired is the hardest part," he said, his voice breaking with emotion. He shared that he now uses Harley’s knives at work and sleeps under his son’s blankets at home.
Upon hearing the news, Wendi immediately drove to Texas to help in the search. Since then, she has moved there permanently and devoted herself to finding Harley. Despite many searches conducted by friends, family, and volunteers, no new leads have emerged.
Wendi believes that a bullet, still lodged in Harley’s hip from a prior road rage incident in Florida, could help identify his remains if they are found. She hopes to organize more search efforts using metal detectors, believing this may be their best chance.
In addition to physical searches, Wendi has used social media to raise awareness about Harley’s case. She manages a Facebook page, "Help Find Harley Morris," and has also established a charity in his honor called "Hearts for Harley."
Describing Harley as kindhearted and outgoing, Wendi reminisces about the time they spent fishing together every year. "He loved to talk your ear off," she said.
Today, Harley Morris would be 30 years old. He is described as having long, dirty-blond hair, brown eyes, standing 6'3" tall, and weighing 160 pounds. His family is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for any information that could lead to his whereabouts.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000 or submit an anonymous tip online. The Crime Stoppers organization is also offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that helps resolve the case.