The State Highway Patrol’s aviation unit assisted with the search of a missing Surry County man on Wednesday, December 13. Local authorities had issued a Silver Alert for Robert Eugene Abeyta, 73, of Pinnacle, NC who had walked away from his residence around 10 a.m.
Rescuers from local and county emergency services began searching for Abeyta in a wooded area near his residence. Due to anticipated low temperatures and the size of the search area, local authorities requested SHP’s aviation unit to assist in the search. At approximately 1:15 p.m., pilots located Abeyta who had walked nearly a mile from his residence. Through a coordinated effort, the aircrew was able to guide rescuers to Abeyta who was stable but unable to walk. Abeyta was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
“The efforts demonstrated by those who assisted with this search defines the true meaning of public safety”, said Colonel Glenn McNeill Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol. “Working together, we were able to ensure this situation did not end tragically."
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