Lewis James Smith, 76, went missing after two head injuries and two hospital visits in mid-January 2016. Known as Treeman, he was treated at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital after a fall that knocked him unconscious earlier in the week of January 14, 2016, and again the day before he disappeared; he was kept overnight after the second visit and released the following day.

A private transport driver who knew Mr. Smith said the man asked to be let out at the corner of Lee and Odom Streets rather than at his home on Lee Street. Neighbors reported seeing him walking, but he never reached his residence and left behind his glasses and walking cane. His family, not notified by the hospital of his discharge, did not realize he was missing until January 26. He is described as a Black male, graying black hair, brown eyes, with a birthmark on his left cheek, about 5 feet 2 inches to 5 feet 5 inches tall and 165 to 175 pounds.

Searches around Lee Street and Odom Avenue yielded no clues and the Albany Police Department’s investigation stalled for lack of leads. The family is concerned the repeated head injuries may have caused confusion or disorientation. Does anyone who lived near Lee and Odom Streets in January 2016 or who knew Lewis Smith have information that could help locate him?