I agree with this. The problem is if awol is a possibilty it would appear something has happened since then. The third party wouldn't necessarily come forward as they think he's gone awol after all they'd have helped him.
For what it's worth I don't think he's awol. But if he has, then it complicates things massively.
I totally agree with you and get what you are saying. If it is suspected that this is work related it will be closed doors!