Extensive search continues for missing Burke County man

Emergency crews from a half-dozen agencies continue to search for a missing 81-year-old Burke County man.

A Silver Alert was issued last week for George Winslow Smith, who is believed to have dementia, officials said.

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He is 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighs about 180 pounds with gray hair and brown eyes, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office stated. Smith was wearing a camouflage jacket, blue flannel shirt, blue jeans, blue and grey tennis shoes when he disappeared.

The missing man said he wanted to go “home” shortly before he vanished.

Smith may try to visit areas from his past, such as Quartz Lane in Hudson or Dudley Shoals.

His dementia has recently become more noticeable, and he has been seen wandering around his neighborhood.

He doesn’t have a cellphone or available transportation, other than walking, officials said.

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Crews have searched the area where Smith was last seen on Pealot Road off Clark Loop.

They also used sonar equipment to search a nearby pond and a watershed dam.

Anyone with information about George Winslow Smith should call Deputy Browning at the Burke County Sheriff Office at 828-438-5500.

Agencies Involved:

• Burke County Rescue Squad
• South Mountain State Park Rangers
• Burke County Emergency Management
• Burke County Special Operations
• Caldwell County Emergency Services
• Burke County Sheriff’s Office

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