Indian River County – Donald Keaton, 86, who went missing on Sunday after going for a walk, has been found alive in dense woods after nearly 80 hours.

His disappearance triggered a massive search operation that drew on every available resource. Helicopters, planes, drones, K9 units, boats, dive teams, ATVs, and numerous personnel were deployed to find him.

The breakthrough came on Wednesday at 10:30 PM, when a drone pilot detected a small heat signature beneath thick tree cover. The source was identified as Donald, alive but unable to move.

Deputies, Fellsmere Police, and Fire Rescue teams rushed to the location. They cut a fresh path through the woods to reach him and carefully carried him out to safety. He was taken to the hospital, where he is now stable and reunited with relieved friends and family.

Authorities issued a major thank you to all who assisted, including Fellsmere Police Department, Sebastian Police Department, FDLE, FWC, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, and IRC Fire Rescue. The community was also praised for its support and for refusing to give up hope.

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