A Fairfield, Texas man, Dale McCeig, 88, has been found after a 24-hour search during one of the coldest days of this year.
Mr. McCeig set out on foot after leaving his residence in the Oak Forest area of Fairfield. He was heading in an unknown direction at approximately 3:20 p.m. Monday, November 11th, 2019, but could not be located after that.
He suffers from dementia, and an alarm was raised with urgency, due to the expected incoming freezing weather conditions.
Freestone County Sheriff Jeremy Shipley jumped into action and began organizing the search, with help from Fairfield VFD Chief Chandler Baggerly.
Social media was used to quickly get word out that he was missing with a detailed description of his clothing, a picture, and his last known location.
The day turned night and the temperature dropped below freezing, but first responders continued to search throughout the night.
The following morning at 7:00 a.m. new volunteers should gather at the Green Barn (Civic Center) to regroup and further plan the search.
Eight K9’s and three mounted horse riding groups were included.
A grid system was used to properly search, and during the second sweep Mr. McCeig was found alive.
Twenty-two hours had passed since he was first missing.
He was in eight inches of water, in a deep creek bed hidden amongst heavy shrubbery and trees.
Even after a night in freezing weather Mr. McCeig was fully aware of his surroundings, and even said, “Good job, fellas,” to his rescuers.
Family members have informed that late Wednesday, November 13th, 2019 Mr. McCeig is out of ICU with no frostbite, a good appetite and good spirits.
Saturday, November 16th, 2019 he was able to return home where the family says he is doing well.
(Photo by Barbara Green)
