BATAVIA, Ohio — A Clermont County man who had been missing for a week was found dead during a search Saturday.
Frank Buldain, 75, had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and suffers from dementia.
On Saturday, local volunteers joined search and rescue group Texas EquuSearch to look for Buldain. Searchers found Buldain's body at about 12:05 p.m. in a wooded area about 1.9 miles southeast of his home, according to the Clermont County Sheriff's Office.
"I would like to personally thank all of those from the community who volunteered their time and effort today," Sheriff Steve Leahy said. "A special thanks to Texas EquuSearch who was instrumental in organizing today's search efforts."
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Authorities said Buldain walked away from his Stonelick Township home at 1:07 p.m. Jan. 26. Sheriff's canine units and an Ohio State Highway Patrol helicopter have so far been unable to find him.
As searchers fanned out, Dave Rader with Texas Equusearch said they had been hoping for the best, but also tried to help prepare the family for the worst.
"They're always going to hold into hope that he's going to come walking back through that door, and I would think nothing better," Rader said. "But you also have to sit there and kind of gear them that this could be a recovery today, we might find his body today."
Check back for updates.
