Hadari Darden

Case Information:

Hadari Darden was 28 years old when he vanished from Berkeley, California, on April 4, 2026. The former San Jose State University football standout sparked a massive search after missing a hair appointment and his shifts at Kaiser Permanente.

Known for his athleticism and work ethic, Hadari’s silence was immediately flagged as out of character by his mother. The search was amplified by teammates and friends who fanned out across the Bay Area to distribute flyers.

Case Details:

Hadari was a star linebacker for the San Jose State Spartans, leading the defense through the 2020 season. His mother, a registered nurse, feared his disappearance was linked to symptoms of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) from his football career.

Before he vanished, family noted the 6-foot-3 athlete had become increasingly withdrawn, prompting them to urge him to seek therapy. This behavioral shift led the Berkeley Police Department to issue an endangered missing person alert.

Timeline of Events:

The timeline began on Saturday, April 4, when Hadari Darden left his home for Oakland but never returned for a family gathering. Early on April 6, he was spotted by a security guard at Skyline Plaza in Daly City, far from his usual routes.

Although Daly City Police briefly questioned him at the plaza, he appeared calm and was allowed to walk away. It was only after he failed to show up for work that the full gravity of his disappearance was realized.

Investigation:

Investigators from the Berkeley Police Department utilized body camera footage from Daly City to track his last known movements. The proximity to the coastal cliffs heightened the urgency, as loved ones feared a mental health crisis.

Family search teams focused on BART stations and coastal areas, using social media to keep his face in the public eye. Detectives maintained that while there was no evidence of foul play, the risk to his well-being remained high.

Community Response:

The support from San Jose State University was immense, with former coaches and teammates rallying to assist. Friends shared flyers “far and wide,” ensuring the former linebacker would be easily recognized by commuters across the region.

Vigils and search parties became a daily occurrence in both Berkeley and Daly City. This collective effort was instrumental in keeping local law enforcement focused on the case as a high-priority search.

Family Statements:

Hanifea Click remained the primary advocate for her son, speaking candidly with KTVU Fox 2 about the pain of his vanishing. She emphasized that regardless of his physical strength, Hadari was vulnerable and in need of the community’s help.

Following his recovery, the family expressed profound relief and gratitude to the thousands who assisted in the search. They have remained private regarding his recovery, focusing instead on his transition back to safety and medical care.

Physical Appearance:

Hadari is a Black male standing 6’3” tall and weighing 200 pounds, with distinct tattoos on his right arm. During the search, he was last seen wearing green joggers, a black hoodie, and carrying an army-colored backpack.

His stature as a collegiate athlete made him a recognizable figure, which aided sightings reported to the Berkeley Police. Photos from his time with the Spartans were widely circulated to ensure the public had an accurate image.

Current Status:

As of April 16, 2026, Hadari Darden has been found safe and reunited with his family in Berkeley. The Berkeley Police Department officially canceled the missing person alert following his successful recovery.

The family has asked for privacy as Hadari Darden begins his recovery process and addresses the health concerns brought to light. His case highlights the importance of community vigilance and mental health awareness in the world of contact sports.

Contact Information:

While this search has concluded, anyone with information on other active cases is encouraged to contact the Berkeley Police Department at 510-981-5900. For emergencies in California, please dial 911 or contact the California Attorney General’s Missing Persons Unit.

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