ARLINGTON — The search for a missing Arlington man has been called off after a search and rescue crew found a body in a wooded area Tuesday.
"The family is confident with the information we have provided that the body is that of (Willard) Schoellhorn," Arlington Police Chief John Gray said.
An official confirmation must come from the Snohomish County medical examiner, he said.
Schoellhorn had been missing since Friday afternoon, when he left his home in the 200 block of E. Burke Avenue. He was headed to American Legion Hall. It was his 78th birthday.
The retired Metro bus driver suffered from Alzheimer’s. It is likely he became disoriented. His body was found in a wooded area in the 7300 block of 204th Street NE, just 50 yards from a busy street, Gray said.
A tracker determined that Schoellhorn had come from downtown and went through a small stream. Water exposure can speed up hypothermia, Gray said.
Gray does not suspect foul play.
"This is just a tragic event — someone who is very disoriented exposed to the elements," he said.
Schoellhorn was not equipped with a Project Lifesaver bracelet. The bracelets contain 1-ounce transmitters that allow search and rescue personnel to dial in a specific frequency to track the person.
Several people wearing the bracelets have been found within minutes since the program was first introduced in the county two years ago.
The bracelets are designed to help people who suffer from Alzheimer’s, autism or other medical conditions that can cause them to wander.
For more information about Project Lifesaver call 425-388-3825.
Reporter Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463 or hefley@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
