Missing Man Found Dead Near Emerson Point: Manatee County Sheriff

PALMETTO, FL — A missing man was found dead Monday morning after a boater spotted his body off Emerson Point in Palmetto, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

Donald Arendt, 76, was last seen Sunday around 11 a.m. The agency said he had been diagnosed with late-stage Alzheimer’s disease.

He was last seen leaving his home in the 900 block of 46th Court E. in Parrish and riding his electric bicycle.

Detectives are investigating and don’t know how he got into the water or what caused his death, MCSO said.

Multiple agencies and members of the community conducted an extensive search from Parrish to Snead Island after receiving numerous reports of a person matching his description.

“Unfortunately, Donald was not located by search crews,” the sheriff’s office said. “Thank you to everyone who shared his information and assisted with in some way. Prayers for his family and friends.”