Desperate Search Continues For Missing Elderly Man

MATTITUCK, NY — The desperate search for an elderly man missing since right before Christmas Eve continues — with search efforts including a creek near his home, police said.

According to Southold Town Police, a report came in Sunday at 6:23 p.m. from the family of Richard Hart, 81, of Westphalia Road in Mattituck; his family said that when they returned home, they could not locate him.

On Wednesday, Southold Town Police Chief Martin Flatley said, "There is no new news, unfortunately. We have been out searching each day with our marine unit in Mattituck Creek because of the proximity of his house to the creek. We are also working on the investigative side," he said.

Flatley asked the public to please share Hart's photo to as many people as possible, including sharing it on social media.

An extensive search was conducted by Southold Police, New York State Police, the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office and the Mattituck and Southold Fire Departments into the late evening hours when he was first reported missing, but he was not found, police said.

Southold Police resumed searching on Christmas Eve morning and have continued since, but Hart has yet to be located.

Hart is 5'6" tall, 155 lbs. with gray hair and was last seen wearing blue jeans, a plaid shirt, a blue jacket and boat shoes.

Anyone who comes into contact with Hart is asked to contact Southold Police detectives at 631-765-2600.

Patch photo courtesy Southold Town Police.