8 months ago
Share
Godwin is mentally challenged and he is currently off his medication. Family, volunteers and officers are worried about his well-being and his ability to take care of himself in the heat.
Kegan Godwin has been missing since Tuesday morning. His parents say he suffers from bi-polar disorder and the last time they saw him, he seemed disoriented and 'zombie like'.
Deputy Judy Daniell with the Garland County Sheriff's Department says, "He's mentally challenged and he should be on medication, but he's off his medication right now so it makes it a little more dangerous for him."
Deputy Daniell says volunteers, the Jessieville Fire Department, police and Mounted Patrol are combing about 30-miles of wooded area.
She adds, "He knows the area real well. If he can find some water I think he will be ok because he can do without food, but he needs water."
Godwin's family says he has done this once before. Last year when he was switching medications he had similar symptoms, walked away from home and they found him 4 miles down the road.
Captain Fred Hawthorn with the Mounted Patrol Search and Rescue Team says, "The terrain is from just pasture here to rough mountains, creeks, ravine and a little bit of everything."
Hawthorn says they carry emergency kits, food and water on horse back in case they find Godwin. Officials say when he left he was barefoot.
"With six of us we can cover about 1,000-foot spread and we can still see each other and the terrain between us." But because of the heat, crews were forced to end their search for the day with no results; they say they will resume each morning until Godwin is rescued.
Hawthorn explains, "We're going to return by 6 a.m. and be ready to ride by 6:30 with fresh horses and refresh a little bit."
Family members are also searching for Godwin. Deputy Daniell says the search dogs brought in earlier this week couldn't find his scent because of rain.
Again, the rescue effort will resume at 6 a.m. Friday and a state police helicopter will be brought in to help.
Garland County officials say if the search continues into the weekend they will need more volunteers.
If you have any information you're asked to call the Garland County Sheriff's Office at (501) 622-3660.
