Full Breakdown
Silver Alerts Lead to Updates on Missing Seniors in Wisconsin and Tennessee
8/3/2026, 1:01:10 PM
Core Events
- August 1, 2026 – Douglas Dunning, 78, was last seen leaving his Brookfield, Wisconsin home for a walk.
- August 2, 2026 – Brookfield police issued a Silver Alert, describing Dunning as a white male, 5 ft 8 in, 161 lb, with brown eyes, balding brown hair, wearing a burgundy long-sleeve polo shirt, gray slacks and white Nike tennis shoes. Later that day the department announced Dunning had been found safe.
- Saturday (date not specified) – David Garrett, 60, was reported missing near Calvin Howard Road in Lancing, Morgan County, Tennessee.
- Sunday (following day) – The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) issued a Silver Alert for Garrett and asked the public to call the Morgan County Sheriff (423-346-0911) or TBI (1-800-TBI-FIND). That Sunday evening TBI announced Garrett had been found dead; the cause of death was still unknown.
Background & Context
Silver Alerts are public notifications used across the United States to locate missing seniors or individuals with cognitive impairments who may be in danger. Both cases involved adults with health concerns: Dunning is believed to have dementia or another cognitive impairment, and Garrett was reported to have a medical condition that could affect his ability to return home safely.
Official Statements & Responses
- Brookfield police provided the physical description of Dunning and requested tips at 262-787-3702. After the search, they confirmed he was safe.
- The TBI released Garrett’s description, posted his photograph, and urged anyone with information to contact law-enforcement. After locating Garrett, TBI issued a statement expressing condolences to his family and noting that the cause of death remained unknown.
- Morgan County Executive Brian Langley said county officials and the Tennessee Highway Patrol assisted in the search effort.
Data & Statistics
- Dunning’s attire: burgundy long-sleeve polo, gray slacks, white Nike tennis shoes.
- Garrett’s medical condition was cited as a factor that could impede his safe return home.
- The TBI reported that nearly 400 people go missing in Tennessee each year.
Timeline
- August 1, 2026 – Dunning last seen leaving home.
- August 2, 2026 – Silver Alert issued for Dunning; police description released.
- August 2, 2026 – Brookfield police update that Dunning was found safe.
- Saturday (date unspecified) – Garrett last seen near Calvin Howard Road.
- Sunday – TBI issues Silver Alert for Garrett; public asked to assist.
- Sunday evening – TBI announces Garrett found dead; cause of death pending.
Impact
The swift resolution of Dunning’s disappearance demonstrates how coordinated community alerts and police response can protect seniors with cognitive challenges. Garrett’s death highlights the vulnerabilities faced by adults with medical conditions and the importance of rapid public assistance in missing-person investigations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No contradictory casualty figures appear in the sources. However, the exact cause of Garrett’s death has not been disclosed, leaving a gap in the investigative record.
What’s Next
- Brookfield police have closed the Silver Alert for Dunning; no further action reported.
- TBI and local authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of Garrett’s death, with updates expected as the investigation proceeds.
