NORWICH – After seeking the public’s help to locate a missing elderly man who had been reported missing on August 15, the New York State Police announced the man was located at approximately 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 22.
“The search for the missing elderly man from the Town of German has been successful in locating him alive. Alfred H. Turshman was found in a wooded area one mile from his home, conscious, and in fair condition. He has been transported to a medical facility with hypothermia but no major injuries,” read a press release from the New York State Police.
Alfred H. Turshman, 81, of the Town of German was reported missing from his home by family members on August 15. Turshman was last seen on August 14 at approximately 1 p.m., in the Hamlet of Cincinnatus. According to a Facebook post from a family member, Turshman was allegedly last seen at the NBT Bank in Cincinnatus.
“It has been a whole week since our Papa, Alfred Turshman has been seen. There still isn't any news on his whereabouts. Growing up I always knew Papa was a great man, well liked, respected. I didn't know the half of it until now. I am so proud to be his granddaughter,” read a Facebook post from his granddaughter, Danielle Turshman Raymond, on August 21.
“The search for the missing elderly person, Alfred H. Turshman, of the Town of German, will continue today. An aerial search will be conducted by members of the Civil Air Patrol using fixed-wing aircraft. Also, the ground search will continue to be conducted in the Towns of German and Cincinnatus,” read a press release from the New York State Police on August 21st.
The search for Turshman was conducted by the New York State Police Troopers, Bureau of Investigation, State Police Aviation Unit, State Police K-9’s, State Police SCUBA Unit, NYS Forest Rangers, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, the Cincinnatus Fire Department, as well as volunteer search and rescue personnel from three different counties.
Turshman was known to have suffered from dementia. “Our Papa gets "confused" easily, and may not know his surroundings,” said a family member via Facebook post during the search.
Captain Scott Heggelke and representatives from the NYS Rangers, Civil Air Patrol, K-9s, state search and rescue units, county search and rescue units, along with local search and rescue units were available at a press conference, to discuss Turshman being found alive, that was held at 2 p.m., on Saturday at the Cincinnatus Ambulance Squad located at 2747 State Route 26, Cincinnatus, NY 13040.
Upon contacting the New York State Public Information Officer, Trooper Nathan Riegal, he said, “Like the press release said, I am not sure which agency actually found him but he was found conscious around 10 a.m. on Saturday and was in fair condition about a mile from his house in German, I was told. He was then transported to a hospital where he was able to see his family, unfortunately I am hearing he has since passed away.”
“As many may have heard, our Papa, Alfred Turshman passed away last night around 10 p.m. Being lost out in the woods for eight days at 81-years-old was quite an amazing feat. It must have just been too much for him. But, thank God, and thankfully for Papa's strong will, he hung on until being found, and brought home to us. That speaks highly of who our grandfather was. We were all given the ability to see him, touch him, and tell him how proud we are of him, and of course, how much we love him,” said Turshman's granddaughter via Facebook post on August 23, 2015.
“We strongly believe that if not for the efforts of the Cincy EMS/Fire Department, our Papa would not have been found in time for us to all share a final moment with him. There is no way we could ever repay the dedicated men and women, but, we ask that if you haven't yet, give a small donation. They are truly heroes. Thank you.” said Turshman's granddaughter via Facebook post.