Posted on May 19, 2012.
GRAND BAY, Alabama (WALA) - The search for a missing Alzheimer's patient has ended. The body of Bernard Gates was found early Tuesday morning near Border Drive West in Grand Bay, about five days after he was reported missing. A search team was able to track him down.
Early Tuesday morning the Mobile County Sheriff's Office had 4 Wheelers and deputies out looking for 82-year-old Bernard Gates.
"Yesterday included air search and search on horseback and they resumed the search today. We just double traced steps and intensified the search efforts," Sheriff Sam Cochran said.
They have been looking for Gates ever since he wandered from his home on Pecan Street.
"They did find his body in very heavy brush," Cochran said.
Authorities said Gates' body was found near a creek near the woods. It's just a little over a half mile from his home.
"It's just really sad. It's really sad," Brenda Divine said.
"He was a fine old man. He loved his little dog. He and his little dog walked all over the place," Howard Hogg added.
Authorities found the dog Monday and got chainsaws and began searching in that same area.
"They just went into the very thick part of the bushes. They had to physically cut a path and cut through the bushes to recover his body. He may have crawled in there and got himself in there out of confusion. He probably was on his hands and knees to eventually get to where he was located," Cochran said.
Officials do not think his death is suspicious.
"We do not suspect foul play. We certainly believe it's the elements and exposure. Being an 80-year-old man and suffering from Alzheimer's that this was a death related to exposure," Cochran added.
Sheriff Sam Cochran said he wishes Gates could have been found sooner. Neighbors feel the same way.
"We'll miss him walking up and down the street. We'll do what we can to help the family out," Hogg said.
Officials have not yet determined how long Gates was in the woods. The sheriff's office said there is a program to help Alzheimer's patients.
http://www.fox10tv.com/dpp/news/local_news/mobile_county/missing-alzheimer-patients-body-found