Statewide Missing Adult Alert Issued for Ohio Resident
The Clark County Sheriff's Office is seeking information on 78-year-old Gerald S. Walters.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Alzheimer’s
Authorities in Clark County have issued a statewide Missing Adult Alert for 78-year-old Gerald S. Walters, who suffers from memory loss. He was reported missing after failing to arrive at a friend's home on the evening of September 19.
Why it matters
For individuals managing memory loss, disorientation while driving poses a significant safety risk that requires immediate community awareness. This alert aims to enlist public help in identifying the missing person and his vehicle to ensure his safe recovery.
This official alert serves as a confirmed case count from active state surveillance regarding a vulnerable adult. The report covers a 78-year-old male with memory loss, though his exact location remains unknown.
The players
Clark County Sheriff's Office
A local law enforcement agency responsible for public safety, emergency response, and missing persons investigations in Clark County.
Gerald S. Walters
A 78-year-old Ohio resident living with memory loss who is the subject of a statewide Missing Adult Alert.
The details
Gerald S. Walters, who is 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs 298 lbs, was last seen leaving his home on Old Springfield Road in South Charleston. He was driving a red 2014 Ford Explorer with Ohio license plate HHB 3509 and was wearing a black shirt with plaid pajamas. His memory loss condition significantly increases the risk of disorientation, making time-sensitive public identification of his vehicle critical to locating him safely.
Timeline
September 19, 2026, 6:00 p.m.: Gerald S. Walters was last seen leaving his home.
Health Landscape
This alert follows the operational framework set by the Ohio Missing Adult Alert system designed for vulnerable populations. It highlights the state's ongoing commitment to using rapid notification systems for residents at high risk due to cognitive impairments.
If you recognize the red 2014 Ford Explorer with license plate HHB 3509, contact local authorities immediately. Families supporting loved ones with memory loss should consider discussing GPS tracking or emergency identification tools with a physician to prepare for potential disorientation.
The takeaway
Memory loss requires proactive safety planning to help protect vulnerable individuals who may become disoriented. If you are caring for someone with similar symptoms, consult your physician about creating an emergency contact and safety plan to implement before a crisis occurs.
Further reading
For more information on managing care for those with cognitive decline, visit Alzheimer’s.
