A 61-year-old man with dementia who went missing on Saturday has been found by the St. Louis County Rescue Squad. The man was last observed at around 6:30 PM near Hwy 2 and Independence Rd. in Brevator Township, where he appeared to have been hitchhiking and subsequently looking for a place to sleep, as reported by officials.
Following the report of his disappearance, the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office conducted a prompt search of the adjacent roads but initially failed to locate the individual. According to the information released by the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office, the call to the Rescue Squad was made at 9:44 p.m. to aid in the search, and at 11:01 PM, they found the man lying down in the tree line along Hwy 2, not far from Independence Rd.
The man was discovered in a state of hypothermia and was wet but could still walk and talk. He was subsequently transported by ambulance to a local hospital for medical treatment. The success of the operation was a coordinated effort that included not only the St. Louis County Rescue Squad, but also support from Cloquet Ambulance and the Proctor Police Department.
Such occurrences serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by individuals with cognitive impairments like dementia, and the importance of community assistance and swift action in such situations. The provided assistance by first responders and search teams underscores a community's vital role in ensuring the safety of its members, particularly those who are most in need of support.
