Clay County officials suspend search for missing 79-year-old man

The mass search for a missing elderly man is over.

The Clay County Sheriff's Office called off the search Friday. 79-year old Hal Warth was reported missing Monday by his son, after he was last seen walking in his neighborhood, Sunday night.

“We can pretty much safely say, Mr. Warth is not in that search area right now,” said Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler.

It's news the 140-plus search volunteers and deputies didn’t want to hear.

“We have used every means possible, from horses, ATVvs, vehicles, helicopters, canoes, and it’s been an exhaustive effort,” said Beseler.

The all hands on deck search started Monday, a day after deputies say Warth disappeared. Monday morning, his son reported him missing.

“It doesn’t make sense to me. Obviously I have no idea where he is at this point, and all I can do is hope that somebody sees him at a grocery store, or something,” said Hal Warth II, the victim’s son.

Action News Jax spoke with Warth’s son, just moments Sheriff Beseler called off the massive search.

“We’re going to shift from a search and rescue mission, now to a missing persons investigation,” said Beseler.

During the five day search, crews scoured more than a thousand acres, now the investigation will widen its focus.

"North Florida, now is our search area, not just the Jennings State Forest,” said Beseler.

If you have seen Warth or possibly know where he might be, call Clay County Sheriff’s Office.

Cox Media Group