HAMMOND, La. — The last time Darlene Davis talked to her nephew, Stephen Cottier, 52, they talked about his future.
“He was excited,” said Davis.
Cottier, from Hammond, was a cement truck pump operator and had plans of starting his own business.
“He was trying to pull things together and was going to let me know how it worked out the next week, and I didn’t hear from him,”
That was back in October, right before Cottier disappeared.
“It’s like he fell off the face of the earth,” said Davis. “It’s like, where is he.”
According to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, Cottier was last seen on October 13th. Davis says he was visiting a friend in Covington. The next day authorities say Cottier sent a text to another friend that he was headed home to Hammond. He never made it.
“We’re all just kind of frustrated and waiting and just puzzled by what could have happened to him,” said Davis.
After being reported missing by his roommate, local hospitals were called. Cottier hadn’t been to any of them. Family members called and texted his phone but got no response.
“After so many days the phone just died, I guess. It just tells you that number is unavailable, and the mailbox is full,” said Davis.
Cottier grew up in Jefferson Parish. He spent some time working out of state before moving to Hammond about a year ago.
“He loved to go fishing and he was a real fun guy, always joking around,” said Davis.
Davis stays in touch with the lead detective on the case weekly. Says investigators are following any leads that come in and searching through Cottier’s background for clues.
When asked whether those weekly talks bring any hope, Davis said they haven’t.
“Not at this point,” said Davis. “It’s still under investigation. So, they’re kind of limited in what they can tell me.”
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office hasn’t released any details about the case but released the following statement to WWL Louisiana:
"Our detectives are working this investigation thoroughly, but unfortunately have not received any information that could help in locating Mr. Cottier. Our hopes are that by increasing the reward, someone with information would come forward and help solve this case, but unfortunately, no information has been received."
“It’s not normal. He’s always been in touch, either with friends or family,” said Davis.
Davis, who lives in North Carolina, knows information will be limited. She just wishes the family could do something.
“We just feel helpless,” said Davis. “I don’t know what else we could do.”
The sheriff’s office is offering a $5,000 reward in this case. If you happen to know anything about this case call the sheriff’s office at 985-902-2017 or Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245.