UPDATE: Missing Endangered Man Found, Declares South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
Rescue After a Five-Day Search
In a significant turn of events, the missing endangered 66-year-old Mark Wagnon has been traced and confirmed found on Saturday, as announced by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. This came following an intense search that spanned almost five days since Wagnon disappeared from Greenville County on Monday.
Abandoned Vehicle Found
On Thursday, a hiker in Oconee County came across Wagnon’s gray Nissan Sentra on Tower Road off Highway 107. The vehicle was perched near a gate at Oconee State Park with the keys conspicuously left inside. However, Wagnon was nowhere in sight. The man was reported missing from Geer Highway near Northwest Middle School in Travelers Rest around 4:30 p.m. on Monday.
Sighting that Lead to the Search
There were reports that Wagnon was seen later that night near the Stumphouse Ranger Station on Highway 28 in Oconee County. These leads guided the search and rescue operation towards the county, focusing their efforts in this area. The operation included local community members, volunteers, and law enforcement officers.
Missing Man Located
Deputies from Oconee County eventually reported that Wagnon was found around 3:15 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. Volunteers were instrumental in locating the endangered man. Details surrounding his condition upon discovery are not available at this time.
News Impacting the Community
Local communities are strongly affected by missing persons’ cases, especially ones classed as “endangered.” Such individuals are considered at significant risk due to age, health, mental or physical disability, environment or weather conditions, or in circumstances where the person is in the company of a potentially dangerous person. The successful resolution in the search for Wagnon ushers in a sigh of relief among the community members, highlighting the collective efforts of citizens and law enforcement agencies.
Conclusive Remarks
This episode marks a critical achievement for the combined effort of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, local sheriffs, and the vast network of community volunteers. It serves as a telling testament to the power of community solidarity and the essential role that coordinated local efforts can play in addressing missing persons’ cases. While information concerning Wagnon’s condition post-discovery is yet to be released, it is truly a celebrated occasion in South Carolina this weekend for locating the endangered missing man.
