SWANSEA — Bill Crispin, the Swansea man missing for a week, was found alive Saturday morning after an extensive search led by local police and dedicated volunteers, authorities said.
Crispin, missing since Aug. 23, was located at the back of a cornfield across from Christ Church, according to Swansea Deputy Police Chief Keith Howard. A search party of 61 community members and 12 Missouri Valley Search and Rescue team members helped police comb the area.
“ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ went methodically through areas we couldn’t cover with drones, helicopters or airplanes,†Howard said. “At the very back of the cornfield, the volunteers found him.â€
Howard said the last two searchers to leave the cornfield checked the wood line and discovered Crispin alive, hidden by thick brush. Crews had to use a machete to cut through and reach him.
“His vitals were good. He was talking and blinking his eyes. Obviously, he was very weak — he’d been there about a week,†Howard said.
Crispin was taken to a local hospital, where doctors are caring for him.
Howard, expressing gratitude for the community’s help, said, “It was the citizens who showed up who found him. The community came through and located Mr. Crispin.â€
Crispin, who had left the Grand Manor Assisted Living Center on Frank Scott Parkway, was found lying in thick vines between trees, nearly invisible to passersby. Searchers had to be within a few feet to see him, Howard said. He was dehydrated, with a bit of a mustache and whiskers, but happy to be rescued.
Despite the long, challenging search, Howard said nobody involved ever considered giving up. Finding Crispin alive left him “overwhelmed and very thankful.â€
“Obviously, since it had been this long, I was fearing the worst. But we have great news. I figure now I can probably sleep tonight,†Howard said with relief.
Swansea police prioritized the search for Crispin, maintaining throughout the operation that they did not suspect foul play.
Swansea Mayor Jeff Parker thanked Missouri Valley Search and Rescue and the citizens who participated.
“Without this effort, Bill would not have been found. He was in a very remote area and too weak to move anymore,†Parker said.
He also praised Swansea police and fire departments for their dedicated work.
“No stone was left unturned, and persistent efforts led to this outcome,†Parker said.
