Two public missing-person episodes involve Gil Michael McDonald. The first was a March 2023 alert from Bryans Road: he was reported missing in a black Kia Rio from the Bryans Road boat ramp and that alert was later updated to say he had been located. That earlier update shows the same man had prompted a prior public alert but does not resolve the later disappearance.

The later case began in October 2023 in southern St. Mary’s County near Point Lookout. McDonald, described as nonverbal after a prior stroke and needing medication, reportedly drove to Point Lookout National Park and his car became stuck in the sand while his fiancée, Shelli Wood (also reported as Shelli Woods), was dealing with a tow truck. He then went missing. Search efforts in the Scotland area included patrol officers, K9 units, drones, water searches, fire and rescue personnel, and neighboring agencies, and the public was asked to avoid the search area so crews could work. Public reports continued to describe the case as unresolved.

If anyone was in the Point Lookout or Fresh Pond Neck Road area in October 2023 and has information that could help explain where he went after his car became stuck, please come forward.