Beavercreek man missing since Thursday found alive

BEAVERCREEK — UPDATE @ 5:03 p.m. (Oct. 9):

After being missing for over two days, Jerry Hetzel has been found alive, his son confirms.

Hetzel, 77, was the subject of multiple hours-long searches after going missing Thursday afternoon.

According to Beavercreek Police dispatch records, Hetzel was found in the wooded area behind his house.

Beavercreek City officials said Hetzel was taken to a local hospital to be evaluated.

We’re working to learn more on Hetzel’s condition.

UPDATE @ 7:13 p.m. (Oct. 8):

The community organized search for Jerry Hetzel, 77, has ended for the day.

At this time, the city does not have an organized search scheduled for Saturday.

Hetzel’s son, Joe Hetzel, told News Center 7 that community members are welcomed to join the family as they continue to search tomorrow. The family will meet in the parking lot of Quest Gymnastics Extreme Sports Center parking lot at 3820 Kemp Road at 9 a.m. on Saturday.

Hetzel has been unaccounted for since Thursday afternoon.

Police continue to encourage citizens who see Hetzel to call Beavercreek Police immediately at (937) 426-1225.

UPDATE @ 2:15 p.m. (Oct. 8):

A community-organized search has formed in Beavercreek and police are asking for volunteers to help search the area for a man who has been missing for over 24 hours.

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Volunteers are being asked to help search for Jerry Hetzel, 77, that has been unaccounted for since Thursday afternoon. Hetzel suffers from dementia and is considered an endangered missing adult.

Volunteers who would like to help in the search are asked to meet in the parking lot of Quest Gymnastics Extreme Sports Center parking lot at 3820 Kemp Road.

Hetzel was last seen wearing black pants and a long-sleeved white, pinstripe shirt.

Police still encourage citizens who see Hetzel to contact Beavercreek police at 937-426-1225.

We’ll continue to update this story as we learn more.

UPDATE @ 9:50 a.m. (Oct. 8):

Beavercreek police are continuing to search for an endangered missing man who remains unaccounted for after walking away from his home Thursday afternoon.

Jerry Hetzel, 77, has been missing since around 1 p.m. Thursday. Hetzel suffers from dementia and was last seen wearing black pants and a long-sleeved white, pinstripe shirt, a Beavercreek police spokesperson said in an updated social media post Friday.

Reports from Thursday indicate police were looking in the areas of Grange Hall, Pentagon, and Kemp roads for Hetzel. Police now are asking residents on nearby Rushton Drive to check their properties for him.

“If you live in the area of Rushton Dr., please check any sheds, boats, campers, etc. that are on your property and surrounding open fields/woods. If its a place someone can take shelter, it should be checked. Also, please check your home or business surveillance cameras,” police said in the post.

The police spokesperson added officers are working on organizing search groups, however additional details were not released.

If you see Hetzel you’re asked to contact Beavercreek police at 937-426-1225.

We’ll continue to update this story as we learn more.

FIRST REPORT (Oct. 7):

Beavercreek police are looking for a 77-year-old man who has been missing since about 1 p.m. Thursday.

Jerry Hetzel walked away from his house and has not been seen since. He was last seen in the area of Grange Hall Road and Pentagon Road, Beavercreek police said in a community message.

Hetzel suffers from dementia and is considered and endangered missing adult.

Police did not provide a description of the clothing he was last seen wearing.

Initial reports indicate police and fire crews are searching for Hetzel in the area of Kemp and Grange Hall roads.

In a statement to WHIO, Hetzel’s son, Joe Hetzel, wanted to extend gratitude towards Beavercreek police and the community for their help and support.

If you see Hetzel you’re urged to call Beavercreek police at 937-426-1225.

We’ll update this story as we learn more.

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