Trail lost in search for missing cancer patient last seen in Hernando County: “Disappeared from the scene”
BROOKSVILLE, Fla. – The family of a missing Georgia man last seen in Hernando County wants answers.
David Brown, 69, was visiting his brother in Hernando County. Brown was last seen on August 13 near Batten Road in Brooksville.
“He loves his family. He loves the outdoors,” said Amy Brown, David’s wife of nearly 27 years. “He’s a sweetheart. Everyone loves him. He has no enemies.”
Pictured: David and Carl Brown
Amy Brown told FOX 13 that her husband was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer last spring, and earlier this month she brought him to Hernando County to spend time with his brother, Carl.
READ: Building at Holmes Beach Plaza catches fire after lightning strike
On August 13, David Brown wanted to go to a special tree to pray, according to his wife. She added that the way to the tree was blocked, so Carl temporarily left David alone to get equipment to remove the tree.
David Brown disappeared while searching for a tree to pray at in Hernando County.
“That was the last time we saw him,” Amy Brown said.
READ: Malnourished dog with urine burns on the road to recovery in Tampa
Search operations began later that day. Airplanes, drones and sniffer dogs combed the area for traces of the 69-year-old man. Over the next five days, helicopters, horses and all-terrain vehicles combed the area.
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office posted regular updates on the search on Facebook, where investigators reviewed surveillance video from nearby homes that showed David Brown walking barefoot in the area, according to the sheriff’s office.
READ: ‘Betrayal of the badge’: Hillsborough police officer arrested and accused of filming victim in his bathroom
Amy Brown told FOX 13 that a video from Ring shows her husband knocking on a woman’s door and asking for directions to the tree.
David Brown was caught on surveillance video walking barefoot.
“I don’t know if he’s lost and injured and lying in the woods somewhere,” Amy Brown said. “There’s a chance someone took him. I don’t know. I’m really baffled by all this. I think he’s going to do his best to come back to us because he loves his family.”
READ: Retired Army lieutenant colonel charged with sexual abuse of teenager
On Monday, the HCSO announced that it had suspended all active searches for David Brown, but would continue evidence analysis this week.
On Thursday, the group We Are The Essentials told FOX 13 they had been searching for David Brown for the past two days.
Pictured: David and Amy Brown
“It’s just so bizarre that he just disappeared without a trace. And the trail was somehow lost,” said Amy Brown.
Anyone who sees or has seen David Brown or has information on his whereabouts is asked to call the HCSO at 352-754-6830 or 911 in an emergency.
STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA:
