ELKINS, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A Silver Alert ended in a dramatic and life-saving rescue Wednesday night after Elkins Police located 80-year-old Harold Wayne Simmons, who had been reported missing earlier that day.
The rescue unfolded hours after Cpl. Summerfield of the Elkins Police Department received a missing person report at approximately 12:02 p.m. on June 18. A healthcare worker had reported Simmons missing from his Gorman Avenue residence, prompting the issuance of a statewide Silver Alert.
Just after 10:27 p.m., Sr. Patrolman Coffman and Patrolman Davis were dispatched to assist Sr. Trooper Petrella of the West Virginia State Police with a trespassing call in a wooded area near Fern Hill Lane. While searching the area, Sr. Patrolman Coffman heard a faint male voice and followed the sound, ultimately discovering Simmons partially submerged in a creek, injured and with water up to his neck.
Simmons had fallen roughly 20 feet down a steep, rain-slick embankment, leaving him trapped and unable to call for help. Without hesitation, Coffman used a nearby tree to descend the embankment, entered the water, and pulled Simmons to safety.
Coffman called for EMS and fire rescue via radio, and fellow officers assisted in stabilizing Simmons until the Elkins Fire Department arrived and conducted a rope rescue to bring him back up the embankment. Simmons was transported by Randolph County EMS to Davis Medical Center, and later to Ruby Memorial Hospital for further treatment.
“There is no doubt in my mind that the actions of all the first responders present — and especially those of Sr. Patrolman Coffman — saved the life of Mr. Simmons,” said Elkins Police Chief Travis C. Bennett. “We are extremely grateful for the teamwork and swift response of all agencies involved.”
Thanks to the coordinated efforts of local police, state troopers, EMS, and fire crews, Mr. Simmons was rescued and is now receiving medical care.
