Deputies Rescue Missing Elderly Man Found Unconscious in Woods

Flagler County Sheriff's Office deputies rescued a missing 72-year-old man who was found unconscious in remote woods after being trapped for several days without food or water.

Allyn Schmidt of Palm Coast was reported missing and endangered by family members on Monday, December 15. A silver alert was issued and deputies conducted an extensive four-day search, interviewing local businesses and canvassing areas Schmidt was known to frequent.

On Friday around noon, a citizen called to report an abandoned vehicle in a remote wooded area near North Old Dixie Highway and the St. Johns County line. Deputies recognized the vehicle as belonging to Schmidt and immediately began searching the surrounding woods on foot.

Deputies located Schmidt approximately 50 yards from his vehicle. He was found unconscious but alive, apparently having fallen against a tree with his neck caught against the trunk, which restricted his breathing. Law enforcement officials believe Schmidt had been trapped in that position for several days in temperatures as low as 43 degrees.

The rescue was made possible by a citizen who followed the "See Something, Say Something" principle by reporting the abandoned vehicle to authorities. The Flagler County Sheriff's Office credited this citizen tip with saving Schmidt's life after the multi-day search effort.

Schmidt was transported for medical treatment following his rescue. The case demonstrates the importance of community involvement in assisting law enforcement with missing person investigations.