The search for missing Bentley University professor Wiley Davi, 57, remains ongoing as state and local agencies coordinate extensive efforts by land and sea around Peaks Island, the Portland Police Department reported in its
latest update on Nov. 20.
Davi was last seen on the evening of Nov. 15 on Peaks Island, a small, just-over-one-square-mile island off the coast of Portland, Maine.
According to an article from the Portland Press Herald, island residents and neighbors described Davi as having a new home on the island, and noted that the professor had been “excited to own a new home on the island.”
Peaks Island, located about three miles from downtown Portland, Maine, and is the most populous island in Casco Bay. It is served by car ferries, has several businesses, and offers rural trails and wooded areas.
Several members of the Portland Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Unit, Community Policing officers, and additional personnel joined Wednesday’s search, police said. Maine Marine Patrol also remains involved and joined search efforts on Nov. 20. The department stated that “at this time, the investigation has not revealed any evidence of foul play,” according to its last statement.
Authorities are urging island residents and visitors to thoroughly examine their properties. “We continue to ask residents to check any outbuildings on their property, including sheds and garages, as well as vehicles for anything suspicious,” stated the police department.
Davi is an English and media studies professor with more than 25 years of experience at Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts, according to the university’s website.
On Nov. 21, Bentley University announced that it is hosting “a community event to honor Professor Wiley Davi—a beloved member of our Falcon family for more than 25 years. Whether as a mentor, teacher, colleague, or friend, so many of us hold fond memories of Professor Davi,” adding that it created an online website for people to share messages.
The page is full of heartfelt messages from students and those who know Davi: “Ahead of my coming to Bentley almost 20 years ago, some mutual academic friends told me: 'When you get to campus, make sure you go find Davi." And so, I did. The best piece of advice I've ever been given. Davi was so welcoming, supportive and insightful. I imagine that every person in our community might say similar words to describe our friend. It cuts deep to be missing Wiley,”
wrote one colleague.
Investigators are asking anyone with information to call (207) 874-8575 or text the keyword PPDME and their message to 847411. Anyone with information is urged to contact law enforcement immediately.
