Family searches for answers after loved one’s disappearance

Matthew Hrinchuk, 36, a native of Lowell, has been missing since Feb. 25

LOWELL >> It has been nearly a week since anyone in Matthew Hrinchuk’s family has seen or heard from the 36-yearold Lowell native, who has been living on Lakeview Avenue in Dracut.

The length of time without contact is very unusual, according to his sister, Jenna Hrinchuk. She said the most he has gone in the past without contacting the family is maybe a couple days.

Matthew Hrinchuk’s family has filed a missing person report with the Dracut Police Department and has turned to the community in their search for answers.

An emotional Jenna Hrinchuk discussed her brother’s disappearance on Friday night, noting he has been struggling with depression for years.

“He has been getting help, but it just took a turn without much warning,” she said.

Jenna Hrinchuk said the last time Matthew Hrinchuk talked to anyone in the family was by phone with his mother, Suzanne Lemire, on Sunday morning.

“He said, ‘I love you’ and ‘everything is going to be all right,'” Jenna Hrinchuk said.

According to Jenna Hrinchuk, her brother’s backpack, which contained belongings like his wallet and cellphone, were found by a homeless couple under Lowell’s Ouellette Bridge.

Jenna Hrinchuk pointed out she is rapidly losing hope that her brother is still alive.

“All signs point to him being in the river at this point, and the family needs closure,” she said. “We’re just trying to prepare. It’s most likely the worst possible outcome.”

Police used a drone to search the area this week. According to Jenna Hrinchuk, police said they are scheduled to search the river with sonar on Wednesday.

Matthew Hrinchuk, who is described by his sister as “kind, generous and hilarious,” has blue eyes and short brown hair. He is 5-foot-10, and approximately 250 pounds. He was last seen wearing beige pants, a black hoodie and a maroon baseball cap with “Grateful Dead” on it.

Anyone with information should contact the Dracut Police Department at 978-957-2123.

Jenna Hrinchuk and the rest of her family extended a thank you to the community for their

efforts in the search.

Follow Aaron Curtis on Twitter @aselahcurtis

COURTESY JENNA HRINCHUK Matthew Hrinchuk, 36, a Lowell native, who had been living in Dracut, has been missing since Sunday. Several of his belongings in a backpack were discovered the following day under the Ouellette Bridge in Lowell. Hrinchuk’s family said a police search of the Merrimack River is scheduled on Wednesday.