The missing elderly man from Imperial Drive has been located down a ravine near the assisted living facility that reported him missing alive and well.
Donald Owen Nelson, age 76 of Gainesville was reported missing when he failed to show up for breakfast at the assisted living facility Monday morning.
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Deputies began a search for him in the Imperial Drive area around 8:30 Monday morning and continued their efforts throughout the day. Deputies brought in tracking dogs from the Department Of Corrections, used a Georgia State Patrol Helicopter, and a boat from the Department of Natural Resources. At approximately 8:00 AM Tuesday morning a neighbor heard Mr. Nelson yell for help and contacted 911. Deputies along with the neighbor located Mr. Nelson approximately 50 yards down a ravine near the Lake Lanier. The terrain was steep and thick with plants and bushes. Rescue personnel went into the ravine and emerged with Mr. Nelson about 15 minutes later. Mr. Nelson was alert and conscious and transported to the Northeast Georgia Medical Center by Hall County EMS. |
Investigators believe Mr. Nelson, who spent the night in the woods, became disoriented and lost in the woods. He apparently spent Monday just wonder through the woods. It is also a possibility that he could have hid from searchers.
The incident remains under investigation by the Hall County Sheriff's Office, Criminal Investigations Division.
1st Lieutenant Jeff Strickland 
Uniform Patrol Division
Hall County Sheriff's Office