Body of Missing Salem Man Discovered by Search Team

Bragman had been reported missing to the Salem Police Department on Monday, November 17, 2025, after he was last seen on Sunday, November 16, 2025.

On Saturday, search team members discovered Bragman’s body in a wooded area near the Monon South Trailt just west of Salem — approximately in an area between IMI Concrete and Jean’s Extrusions, near the walking trail, which was near where Bragman lived in the Landmark Apartments at the intersection of Tarr Avenue and West Market Street. 

At the request of the Salem Police Department, the Indiana State Police has assumed the investigation.

An autopsy is scheduled, and no additional details will be released until the autopsy has been completed.

The Bragman family has been notified.

The Salem Police Department and Indiana State Police extend their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Robert Bragman.

More than 100 members of the public and emergency personnel showed up Saturday morning to help search for Bragman,  formerly of Bloomington.

Salem Police Chief Eric Mills told those gathered that there have been searches conducted with horses on the ground, police K-9s, boats, underwater robots and drones. 

“Since he’s been reported missing, we’ve been out searching for Mr. Bragman,” said Mills. “We’ve had numerous agencies assisting in this — Indiana State Police, Conservation Department, Washington and Floyd County Emergency Management Agencies, Coast Guard, and the Southern Indiana Search and Rescue.”

Police said they had searched around the Landmark Apartments and after a report last night that someone had spotted Bragman on South Main Street near the Veteran’s Bridge, decided to move their search closer to the city. 

About a dozen groups searched around Salem throughout the afternoon. 

Assistant Salem Fire Chief Max Gamble said an app was being used to show which areas of the city had been searched and which ones had not.