Society
Thanksgiving Miracle: missing man found after 25 years thanks to newspaper photo
A photo in a newspaper was the incredible key to discovering the identity of a patient at a hospital in Los Angeles County.
A man missing since 1999 was discovered in a Los Angeles hospital after his sister recognized him in a newspaper article seeking help to identify a patient. The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office in California reported that the woman came forward with the clipping, which featured a photo of the unidentified man—an individual unable to speak or share his name.
The man was initially admitted to a hospital in Los Angeles County on April 15 but was transferred to another facility in July. Using fingerprint analysis, LA authorities confirmed the man’s identity as someone who had vanished 25 years ago from Doyle, California, a small town near the Nevada border.
A Thanksgiving to remember
According to police, the man appears to have voluntarily cut ties with his family and friends. The sister learned about the article when a family friend pointed it out to her, noticing a striking resemblance to her long-lost brother. Local media reported that the emotional reunion is expected to happen in the coming weeks, though the man remains hospitalized for now.
Captain Mike Carney of the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office shared that the sister was “deeply grateful” for the persistence of everyone involved in the investigation. “This discovery will make her Thanksgiving much more special,” Carney added.
He also emphasized that the case serves as “a powerful reminder of the importance of never giving up on missing persons investigations.”
Why this story matters
This extraordinary reunion underscores the power of community and determination in solving long-standing mysteries. It also highlights the crucial role of media and public engagement in bringing closure to families. For this sister, the holiday season will be unlike any other—a true Thanksgiving miracle.
Original article written by Rudén Criado, translated with the assistance of AI and edited by Calum Roche
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