NEW ORLEANS, La. (Westbank) — Urgent Search Underway for Missing Port Worker Darius Clem, Family Desperate for Answers
A growing sense of fear and heartbreak is gripping the Westbank community of New Orleans as an urgent search unfolds for Darius Clem, a hardworking and deeply loved man who mysteriously vanished during his work shift at Empire QSL Port of New Orleans. With each passing hour, the anxiety of his family, friends, and coworkers grows more unbearable. Darius, known for his unwavering work ethic and warmhearted nature, disappeared without a trace—leaving loved ones desperate for any clue that might lead to his safe return.
A Normal Day That Turned Into a Nightmare
April 28, 2025, began like any other Monday for Darius Clem. He arrived for his scheduled shift at Empire QSL, where he had worked loyally for over five years as a stevedore—managing heavy cargo and port logistics with skill and dedication. According to coworkers, he was last seen around 1:45 p.m., performing routine operations on the docks near Berth 14.
Shortly afterward, Darius failed to return from what was supposed to be a quick break. His personal belongings—including his lunchbox, phone, and ID badge—were later found in the breakroom, untouched. Surveillance footage shows him walking toward a restricted storage area, but due to camera blind spots and heavy cargo movements, his trail seems to vanish beyond that point. Since then, there has been no communication, no sightings, and no signs of what might have happened.
A Family in Agony
The disappearance has devastated those closest to Darius, especially his mother, Carolyn Clem, who tearfully described her son as “the rock of our family.”
“Darius is not the kind of person who just walks away,” she said. “He’s never missed a shift. He calls me every night. For him to vanish like this… something is very wrong.”
Darius’s younger sister, Jasmine Clem, echoed the family’s growing fears:
“We just want him home. If someone knows something—even the smallest thing—please come forward. We can’t sleep. We can’t breathe. We just want to know he’s safe.”
The Clem family has issued public pleas through local news and social media platforms, sharing photos, physical descriptions, and updates in hopes of reaching someone who might have seen something.
About Darius Clem
Darius is 33 years old, 6’2″, with a lean but muscular build. He has short black hair, brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a navy-blue work jumpsuit with “Empire QSL” embroidered on the chest, along with steel-toed boots. He also has a distinct tattoo on his left forearm that reads “Grace Through Fire.”
Coworkers describe Darius as dependable, quiet but friendly, and someone who never hesitated to stay late or help others with their shifts. He recently talked about saving up to buy his first home and was considering taking night classes to earn a logistics certification.
Growing Concerns Over Safety at the Port
As the investigation into Darius’s disappearance intensifies, attention is also turning toward security protocols at Empire QSL and the surrounding port area, which is known for its high volume of freight traffic and complex infrastructure. While no foul play has been officially confirmed, the mysterious lack of evidence, combined with the scale and complexity of the site, has sparked serious questions.
“This is a man who vanished in broad daylight at one of the most heavily trafficked ports on the Gulf Coast,” said a union representative. “If something happened to Darius here, how many others could be at risk?”
Authorities are reviewing hours of surveillance footage and have begun interviewing coworkers, security staff, and nearby contractors. Divers have also been deployed to scan the adjacent waterway, though results have so far yielded nothing definitive.
The Community Responds
The Westbank community has rallied in support of the Clem family, organizing search parties, prayer vigils, and community awareness events. Flyers have been distributed throughout New Orleans and the surrounding parishes. Volunteers have canvassed local shelters, hospitals, and transit hubs in case Darius is disoriented or injured.
A reward of $10,000 has been offered for any credible information leading to his whereabouts. Tipsters can remain anonymous, and calls can be directed to the New Orleans Police Department Missing Persons Unit at (504) 555-0139.
Holding Onto Hope
Despite the harrowing silence surrounding his disappearance, the Clem family is refusing to give up hope. They continue to believe that someone, somewhere, saw something—or knows something—that could bring Darius home.
“This isn’t just a missing person,” said Jasmine Clem. “This is our brother. Our son. Our friend. We’re not going to stop until we find him.”
As New Orleans comes together in prayer and determination, one thing is certain: Darius Clem is not forgotten. His story has captured the hearts of many, and the call for answers grows louder by the day.
If you have any information about the disappearance of Darius Clem, please contact the authorities immediately. Time is critical, and your voice could help bring a son home to his family.