Missing Encinitas Man Found Safe in Canyon Near Old Landfill

ENCINITAS, CA – A 71-year-old Encinitas man suffering from Parkinson's disease, dementia and asthma was found safe Sunday after he was reported missing earlier in the day, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.

Sheriff's officials said John Fitzgerald was dehydrated, but otherwise fine. He was taken to a hospital for a checkup.

Fitzgerald was found in a canyon near an access road to an old landfill just after 5 p.m., according to officials. Someone walking along Encinitas Boulevard found Fitzgerald and notified authorities. That person was aware of the department’s missing person alert, officials said.

“We appreciate the public’s assistance in looking out for Fitzgerald,” officials said in a statement.

Fitzgerald had walked out of his home in the 1900 block of Jayton Lane in Encinitas about 9 a.m. Sunday. At that time, officials said, he was last seen wearing a red T-shirt, blue pants, and black and blue sneakers walking along Willowspring Drive toward Cerro Street.

Photo courtesy of San Diego County Sheriff's Department