On the evening of January 1st, the Boulder City Police Department asked the park for assistance in the search for an 83-year-old Alzheimer’s patient who had walked away from his residence and had been missing for approximately two hours. Family members and neighbors had tried to find him, but without success. The man was also reportedly suffering from the flu and was not properly dressed for the near freezing temperatures. Four rangers assisted in the search, including the park’s canine team, a German shepherd named “Onyx” and his handler. “Onyx” tracked the man from his residence and through an urban area to a drainage ditch, where he was found unconscious. Although that area had previously been searched by family members, they were unable to see him due to the contour of the terrain. Rangers began an evaluation of his condition and the Boulder City Fire Department arrived soon thereafter. The man is expected to survive.  “Onyx” is entering his fifth year of service as a member of the Southern Nevada Agency Partnership Team (SNAP Team). “Onyx” continues to tirelessly support rangers at Lake Mead, and also assists the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the Fish and Wildlife Service with investigations on public lands throughout southern Nevada.  “Onyx” also continues to provide unique outreach education to local school students, Lake Mead visitors, and partners. For more information about “Onyx” or canine programs, contact the canine team supervisor, Prashant Lotwala, at Prashant_Lotwala@nps.gov .

Contact Information
Name: Prashant Lotwala, Park Ranger