Search for Missing NH Man Enters Second Month

DERRY, NH — As the search for John “Jack” Walsh, a missing Derry man who last seen walking from the Pleasant Valley Nursing Center into Windham in December, enters its second month, officials are asking for the public to remain diligent and submit any information or possible sightings to them. Walsh, 63, was last seen at just before 1 p.m. on Dec. 13, 2016, walking on foot south on Birch Street toward Windham.

The family immediately became concerned for his safety, and called police who spent the next 24 hours conducting “an extensive search” in the area of the Parkland Medical Center, surrounding businesses, and wooded area.

His family has told police that he has gone on long walks in the past and ended up in various parts of the state, so he could be anywhere at this time. On at least one occasion, he hitchhiked as far as Brattleboro, VT, according to his family.

Yesterday, police updated the public and the press, confirming that Walsh was still missing and despite all the reported possible sightings, none have been verified as him.

“Derry Police Detectives and patrol officers have followed up numerous reports of possible sightings locally and as far away as Lowell and Methuen,” Chief Vern Thomas noted in an alert. “All of these were determined not to be Mr. Walsh. He is known to walk and hitch-hike great distances and though we continue to search locally it is possible he has traveled away from Derry. There is no known destination where Mr. Walsh may be headed.”

Walsh has special needs and may be disoriented, according to his family. He is 6 feet tall and weighs around 140 lbs. The family also noted that he has a beard now.

The family has set up a Facebook site and gmail contact, to keep track of updates, but police are asking for tips to be submitted directly to them.

“It is not helpful to post this information on social media as it delays our ability to properly respond to possible sightings,” Thomas said. "We urge everyone to be vigilant in helping us locate Jack and not restrict their observations to a particular neighborhood."

Police are asking that that anyone who sees Walsh or has any information regarding his disappearance or current whereabouts to contact the Derry Police Department at 603-432-6111.