Local Search Ends, Missing 78 Year Old Found Deceased

Perry County Emergency Management announced that 78 year old Dan McVay, reported missing from the Browns Fork area, was located deceased following a three day search that began late in November and concluded on December 1, 2025. Officials said McVay had last been seen leaving the area on an ATV. Local volunteers and emergency personnel joined the search, covering surrounding terrain until he was found.

The recovery brought an outpouring of thanks from local authorities to community members who assisted in the effort. Volunteers from Browns Fork and neighboring communities worked alongside county emergency crews, illustrating the close knit nature of Perry County communities and the reliance on neighbor to neighbor support when crises occur in remote areas.

Visitation and funeral arrangements were announced to be held at the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ at Browns Fork. The church is serving as a gathering point for family and friends to grieve and remember McVay. The loss is being felt across a county where many households are connected by family ties, shared history, and frequent informal caregiving.

Beyond the immediate grief, this case highlights broader public health and safety concerns for rural residents. Older adults living in isolated areas face increased risk during outdoor activities and when using all terrain vehicles on rough terrain. Rural emergency response systems often depend heavily on volunteers and limited professional staffing, which can strain resources during multi day searches across challenging landscapes. Communication gaps, limited cellular coverage, and delayed discovery of missing persons are recurring issues that affect clearance times and outcomes.

Community leaders and health advocates say these events underscore the need to strengthen coordinated search and rescue capacity, improve outreach to isolated seniors, and expand preventive programs such as safety training and check in networks for vulnerable residents. Investing in emergency equipment and training, and ensuring equitable access to medical and transportation services across Perry County, can reduce risk and support families in crisis.

As neighbors mourn, residents are encouraged to support the family and one another, and to consider local efforts that increase safety for older adults and improve emergency response in rural settings.