Heroic Michigan DNR K9 Unit Rescues Missing 70-Year-Old with Dementia from Wexford County Wilderness

A desperate search in Wexford County reached a heartwarming conclusion thanks to the unwavering dedication of Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conservation officers and a remarkable K9 partner. David Zink, a 70-year-old Cadillac resident living with dementia, had gone missing, triggering a large-scale interagency search that culminated in his safe recovery from a remote, swampy area.

The alarm was raised on Monday afternoon, October 16, 2023, when Zink, who had last been seen around noon, was reported missing from his residence near North 41 Road in Selma Township.

His disappearance immediately sparked grave concerns given his medical condition, prompting the Wexford County Sheriff’s Office to launch an extensive search operation. Time was of the essence, as temperatures were dropping and the terrain was challenging.

A formidable team assembled, including the Michigan State Police, Selma Township Fire Department, Cadillac Fire Department, Mobile Medical Response (MMR), and Michigan Search and Rescue.

Critical to the success of the mission were DNR Conservation Officers Josiah Gohl and Benjamin Nykamp. Officer Gohl, accompanied by his highly trained K9 partner, Buddy, brought a crucial asset to the search efforts: a canine with an incredible ability to track in difficult conditions.

As darkness approached, the K9 unit sprang into action.

Buddy, a black Labrador retriever, picked up Zink’s scent. Despite the thick underbrush, dense woods, and increasingly challenging swampy terrain, Buddy relentlessly followed the trail. Officer Gohl, trusting his K9's instincts, navigated through the unforgiving landscape for approximately a quarter of a mile, knowing every moment counted in the race against time and the elements.

The perseverance paid off dramatically when, in a remote, wet, and wooded area, Buddy led Officer Gohl directly to Zink.

The 70-year-old was found disoriented and suffering from hypothermia but was thankfully responsive. His condition necessitated immediate medical attention, and the rescue team quickly assessed him before preparing for his extraction from the difficult location.

With Zink safely located, paramedics were brought to the scene, and he was carefully transported to Munson Medical Center for a thorough medical evaluation.

The successful rescue brought immense relief to his family and the community, highlighting the incredible bravery and expertise of the search and rescue personnel, particularly the indispensable role played by the DNR’s K9 unit.

This incident serves as a powerful testament to the critical importance of specialized K9 units and the seamless collaboration between various emergency services.

Thanks to the keen senses of K9 Buddy and the dedicated efforts of all involved, a potentially tragic outcome was averted, bringing David Zink safely back to his loved ones.