Akron Beacon Journal
BATH TWP., Ohio — A 66-year-old Bath resident who was missing for two days after walking away from home Saturday morning was found in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park by an off-duty Akron firefighter.
Bath Police Chief Michael McNeely said a shoeless Lonnie Curtis, 66, walked out of the woods at Ira Road and Martin Avenue at about 9:30 a.m. Monday where Akron firefighter James Horak recognized him from media reports.
“It’s like a scoring a winning touchdown or hitting a home run,” said McNeely Monday shortly after Curtis was found and transported to Summa Akron City Hospital by Bath Fire Department paramedics.
Curtis told authorities he had been sleeping on property at Botzum Farm in the CVNP. He said he lost his shoes in the muck near the farm.
“He said he saw Sheriff’s deputies’ on horseback Sunday but he was too weak to call out,” McNeely said.
The Candlewood Lane resident walked away from his home Saturday morning about 10 a.m. His wife reported him missing at 7:30 p.m.
Authorities searched until 11 p.m. Saturday then resumed the search at 7:30 a.m. Sunday. They looked for Curtis for the next 11 hours.
Bath Fire Department paramedics were evaluating Curtis at about 10 a.m. Monday and gave him a drink and an energy bar before transporting him to the hospital to be checked out by doctors.
Curtis does not have any known medical conditions that would cause him to wander away from his home, McNeely said.
“He is having some difficulties in his life,” the chief explained.
According to McNeely, Horak recognized Curtis as he walked out of the woods, stopped to help him and notified authorities.
More than 100 law enforcement and fire personnel aided in the well-organized search Sunday, McNeely said.
Police were assisted by civilian search and rescue personnel with K-9s. Mounted patrol deputies from the Summit County Sheriff’s Office searched for Curtis in the CVNP. Summit County Emergency Management personnel provided needed equipment and assistance.
The University of Akron provided computer forensic assistance Sunday in the search.
The family was notified shortly after Curtis was found and met him at the hospital, McNeely said.
“It’s a great day in Bath Township,” he said.
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