On the morning of October 6, 2018, 72-year-old Russell Ralph Hanks left his home on South Pomegranate Way in the Bloomington area of St. George, Utah. Neighbors’ surveillance footage captured him leaving at 5:36 a.m., carrying a small backpack, and another camera showed him walking toward the desert southwest of the city — an area he was known to hike.

Reports at the time said he told his wife he was going for a walk and that this was not unusual. Described as a white male with gray hair and brown eyes, about 5 feet 9 inches and 125 pounds, early accounts conflicted on his health; some said he had no known mental illness while others later reported he had Alzheimer’s, which increased concern. Searches focused on South Bloomington desert areas including near Christensen Park, Sunriver, and the Virgin River, but no confirmed sightings or traces have been found.

The case remains open with the St. George Police Department. If anyone saw Russell on or after the morning of October 6, 2018, or has information about his routes or the desert areas he frequented, please come forward.