A Montgomery teen missing since January was found dead early February 2022, according to his family.

LaDarrien Wheat, 18, was last seen on Saturday, Jan. 22. He ate breakfast and lunch with his family, and later that date went to visit his girlfriend.

He left his girlfriend’s home about 6:30 p.m. and wasn’t heard from again.

His parents, Stephanie and Herbert Wheat Sr., said their son was found dead inside his vehicle in a Montgomery area pond.

The Montgomery Fire dive team recovered the body from the submerged vehicle and the remains were taken to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for an autopsy, said Capt. Saba Coleman.

LaDarrien was a 2021 graduate of Lanier High School and hoped to one day become a firefighter.

LaDarrien was driving a 2003 blue Ford Crown Victoria with Alabama license plate DV32851. The vehicle was leaving his girlfriend’s house on Foxhall Drive, which wasn’t far from his home. LaDarrien was also recorded in his vehicle at the Ztec Convenience Store on McGehee Road.

He suffered from heart palpitations and takes two different medications to keep his heart in balance.

The family thanked the hundreds of people who helped search for LaDarrien.

If you have any information about this case please contact local law enforcement.