A California man who disappeared 25 years ago has been found at a hospital after his sister recognized his photo in a news article. The man, reported missing in 1999, was identified through fingerprinting and is expected to be reunited with his family soon.
A California man who disappeared 25 years ago has been found at a hospital after his sister spotted his picture in a news article.
Key Events Leading to the Discovery
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The USA Today published an article this spring asking the public to help identify a nonverbal man who was in a hospital in the Los Angeles area.
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The man’s sister called authorities on Friday after being sent the article, which showed a photo of a man who looked like her brother.
Investigation and Identification
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Lassen County sheriff’s deputy Derek Kennemore contacted the hospital where the unidentified man was being treated.
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The deputy learned that the man had been transferred to another LA-area hospital in July.
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A Los Angeles police detective went to the second hospital and fingerprinted the patient, confirming his identity as the man reported missing in 1999.
Reunion of the Man with His Family
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The sheriff’s office kept the man’s identity private to protect him from unwanted attention.
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Kennemore gave the news to the man’s sister, who was “super excited” and grateful for the update.
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The family will soon be reunited, with the sheriff’s office stating that it’s a “perfect example” of not giving up on missing persons cases.
Captain Mike Carney’s Comment
Captain Mike Carney of the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office commented: “It’s gonna make their Thanksgiving that much better.”
