Indianapolis Volunteers Search for Missing 72-Year-Old
Residents are searching for a man with dementia who went missing on October 29.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Alzheimer’s
Volunteers in Indianapolis are searching for 72-year-old David Skirvin, who went missing from his home with diagnoses of dementia and Parkinson's disease. The community-led effort follows his disappearance on October 29.
Why it matters
The search for individuals with cognitive impairments like dementia is time-sensitive, particularly as local conditions change. Residents are working to locate Skirvin before an expected influx of 50,000 visitors arrives for a neighborhood festival.
A community-led grid search involving 150 volunteers is currently underway in Indianapolis. Officials have yet to issue a Silver Alert regarding the 72-year-old individual who left his home without identification or a phone.
The players
David Skirvin
A 72-year-old resident with diagnoses of Parkinson's disease and dementia.
The details
David Skirvin, who has diagnoses of dementia and Parkinson's disease, was last seen leaving his home on the 5700 block of East New York Street. He was wearing a blue shirt, black athletic pants, gray shoes, and large eyeglasses. Volunteers are coordinating grid searches through social media, focusing on areas including the Pleasant Run Golf Course to locate him.
Timeline
October 29, 2026, 6:30 p.m.: Skirvin was last seen leaving his home.
October 30, 2026, 2:00 p.m.: No Silver Alert had been issued as of this time.
October 31, 2026: The Irvington neighborhood is scheduled to host a Halloween festival.
Health Landscape
The search for individuals with dementia often relies on rapid community coordination while waiting for activation of the Indiana Silver Alert program. This incident underscores the importance of public awareness when standard alert protocols have not yet been initiated.
When a person with dementia or Parkinson's disease goes missing, it is vital to contact local emergency services immediately to initiate search protocols. Residents should remain vigilant in public spaces, particularly as crowds gather for large events.
The takeaway
Cognitive conditions like dementia require proactive safety planning and rapid notification of authorities if a person goes missing. Keep updated on local emergency alerts and consider tools like medical identification bracelets that can assist first responders.
Further reading
Learn more about caring for those with memory loss at Alzheimer’s.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Indystar.
