Missing Wauconda man found unconscious near home, taken to hospital

A Wauconda man missing since late Monday was found Tuesday morning unconscious near his home and has been hospitalized in serious condition, authorities said.

Wauconda police responded at approximately 5:08 a.m. Tuesday to a report of an older man with dementia missing from his home in the 300 block of Larkdale Row.

The man was last seen at his home at 11:38 p.m. Monday. He was wrapped in a blanket and wearing only shorts and a T-shirt, police said.

Authorities reviewing video footage confirmed the man had left his residence and headed south.

Wauconda police officers with assistance from the Red Center Search & Rescue Strike Team conducted a thorough search of the area south of the man’s home, officials said.

They found the man unconscious at 7 a.m. Tuesday lying in a tree line near a creek on the west side of Larkdale Row. Officers immediately administered lifesaving aid while rescue teams arrived at the scene, according to police.

The man was taken to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Lake Barrington, where he remains in serious condition.

“If it were not for the teamwork, highly trained, and dedicated efforts of our police officers, this victim would not have been found alive,” Wauconda police Chief David Wermes said. “The victim and his family are in our thoughts and prayers as we hope for a swift and full recovery.”