K9 Tracks Down Missing 94-Year-Old Man Near Rising Brazos River

PALO PINTO COUNTY, TX — A 94-year-old man with dementia who went missing from his home near the Brazos River was found and rescued on May 4 after a coordinated search involving multiple agencies and a game warden K9.

Texas Game Wardens from Palo Pinto, Parker, and Archer counties assisted the Palo Pinto County Sheriff’s Office and other first responders in the search. With recent rains and water releases from Possum Kingdom Lake causing the river to rise, officials said time was critical.

Sgt. Kirkpatrick and K9 Lola joined the search, and within minutes of arriving, Lola picked up the man’s scent. She tracked through thick brush and located him about a quarter mile from his home near the riverbank.

Game wardens guided EMS to the scene, and the man was transported to a local hospital. He is now recovering.

Officials credited the successful outcome to the swift teamwork of local agencies — and to K9 Lola’s nose and determination.