'He never made it': Search continues for Iowa truck driver who went missing hauling pigs

Local and state officials on Thursday entered day 16 in the search for a truck driver who disappeared in Iowa last month hauling piglets.

David Schultz, 53, was reported missing on Nov. 21, according to the Sac County Sheriff's Office, one of three law enforcement agencies investigating the man's disappearance.

Officials said his red semi was found along a rural highway in northwest Iowa, its trailer still filled with baby pigs he was transporting to Sac City, about 110 miles northwest of the state's capital of Des Moines.

"He never made it to his destination," his sister-in-law, Emily Bogue, wrote on Facebook.

Schultz remained missing Thursday, Darrell Simmons, a spokesperson for the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations confirmed to USA TODAY. The Lake View Police Department is also involved in the search.

Authorities said they found Schultz's truck on U.S. Highway 71 about 5 miles north of U.S. Highway 20.

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'Pray for his safe return'

Family told local newspaper Sioux City Journal Schultz is a married father of twin boys.

“This is not something David would do,” Sarah Bogue Schultz told the outlet. “He would never leave. His family is his life.”

"Please pray for his safe return," his wife posted on Facebook. "If you are in the Sac County area keep your eye out for him. His whole family is worried sick.

More than 100,000 acres searched near truck

The United Cajun Navy, a non-profit organization based in Baton Rouge that leads search and rescue teams reported the search area has encompassed more than 100,000 acres around the area where Schultz's truck was found.

"Unfortunately we did not find the answers we are all hoping and praying for so much," the group posted on Facebook Monday. "We feel we may have exhausted any potential search locations in the area."

Anyone with information about Schultz's whereabouts is asked to call (712) 662-7127.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.