WKRN, Nashville, Tennessee News, Weather, and Sports |Missing elderly Rutherford Co. man found alive
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71-year-old Joe Hopper was found lying in a field Tuesday.
RUTHERFORD CO., Tenn. - Rescue crews in Rutherford County have located missing person Joe Hopper.
The 71-year-old Hopper has a history of dementia and had been missing since about 10:30 p.m. Saturday, when he walked away from his home along John Bragg Highway.
He was found midday Tuesday lying in a field within eyesight of where he was last seen.
Hopper, who was in good physical condition, alert and talking, was taken to a local hospital.
EMA officials admit while the search had turned into a recovery mission, they remained optimistic the ending would be a happy one.
"[Finding him is a] feeling you can't describe," said Corporal Ted Hewell with the Rutherford County Correctional Work Center, which had inmates aiding in the search for Hopper. "I mean, you know once he rolled over and raised his arms up and started waving, we knew right then he was conscious and good spirits and uh, he was glad he was there."
Even Hopper's son said as time passed, hope began to fade.
"I prepared myself Sunday night, you know, it was bad weather, moist, rain and in the conditions, I wasn't expecting this. This is a blessing no doubt, a real blessing. I wasn't expecting things to turn out this good," said Kevin Hopper.
Hewell continued, "He is very lucky, being his medical conditions and everything. He is a very lucky individual, sure is and I am just glad we are part of this crew today part of this team and this effort and I am glad we found him."
Hopper is expected to fully recover.
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