LANCASTER, S.C. -- The search for a missing elderly Lancaster man who was last seen Friday has ended in tragedy.
Jerry Cauthen, 74, has Alzheimer’s. He walked away from the Heath Springs Residential Care Center last Friday. His body was found in a heavily wooded area off of Flint Ridge Road on Wednesday.
David Cauthen says his father has Alzheimer’s disease and had wandered off before. But he was always found within an hour or two.
“We are thankful for the army of volunteers who assisted in the search for Mr. Cauthen," said Lancaster County Sheriff Barry Faile. "People selflessly donated their services, horses, ATVs and refreshments. Most importantly, they gave their time. This tragedy breaks our hearts, particularly during the holidays. We will keep this family in our thoughts and prayers and ask our community to do the same.”