The family of a elderly man who was found along Cobourg beach on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 is reaching out to the community to thank them for their efforts in locating him.
“We would like to thank all those who helped in locating for our missing family member, through searching directly and through social media,” a family member wrote to Today’s Northumberland.
The 81-year-old was last seen by his wife at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 8.
When she woke up at approximately 5:30 a.m., the man was missing. Family members briefly looked for the elderly man who just recently moved to Cobourg with his wife.
Shortly after police were notified.
Cobourg Police issued a press released at 6:50 a.m. asking for the public’s assistance.
The press release stated the man was last seen in the area of Division Street, but later confirmed to Today’s Northumberland the release should have read the area of William Street where the couple reside.
A description of the individual said he wasn’t wearing a winter jacket or dressed for the cold weather.
Police contacted the Cobourg Fire Department who started a search for the missing elderly man within minutes of notification.
Six firefighters set out in pairs to search. One crew was just leaving a medical call to search, another started from the man’s residence while another started by Lake Ontario directly south from the man’s residence.
“We spotted him right away,” said Captain Scott MacDonald who along with firefighter Gene Stroeder found the man laying down close to the water along the beach by Cedermere Avenue just west of Ontario Street.
“We walked down to the water so we could see along the waters edge and when we got to that point, when we looked west, we could see him laying on the beach next to a log.”
The man was wearing a plaid shirt, blue jeans, slippers with no socks and he had a cane with him.
Given the proximity of where the man was located on private property by the waters edge, MacDonald said it’s doubtful anyway would have saw him.
“We’ve searched for individuals before and for some reason the lake seems to be a starting point.”
“We picked the lake, because that’s typically what we’ve found in the past and luckily we found him.”
It’s unknown exactly how long the man had been outside, but he was taken to hospital as a precaution.
Cobourg Fire Department Deputy Chief Gene Thompson said, “it just reinforces the positive results of our two emergency services working together for the citizens of Cobourg.”
The family member said the elderly man is recovering at Northumberland Hills Hospital.
“He was in imminent danger due to hypothermia given the cold temperature. It was amazing to see how all agencies working together resulted in a positive outcome We appreciate the opportunity to continue to enjoy our quality time with him “
“Once again, thank you!”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
