Urgent Search Continues for Missing Selma Man with Dementia

SELMA, Calif. – The desperate search for 71-year-old John Michael Smith, a beloved Selma resident living with dementia, is continuing into its fifth day, prompting an outpouring of community support and a fervent plea from his family for public assistance.

Smith was last seen leaving his home in Selma on December 14, 2023.

His disappearance has sparked a large-scale search and rescue operation, involving multiple agencies and dedicated volunteers scouring vast areas surrounding his residence.

Authorities, including the Selma Police Department and the Fresno County Sheriff's Office, have deployed ground crews, advanced drone technology, and highly trained canine units in their relentless efforts.

The search has primarily focused on critical areas such as the nearby river and expansive open fields, given the circumstances of his disappearance and his condition.

His daughter, Shannon, has expressed profound worry and heartbreak over her father's absence. "Every hour that goes by is agonizing.

We just want him home safe," she shared, her voice filled with emotion. "He has dementia, and we're so worried about his well-being, especially with the colder temperatures. Please, if anyone has seen anything, even the smallest detail, contact the police."

Smith is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing approximately 150 pounds.

When he was last seen, he was wearing a dark blue beanie, a dark blue coat, jeans, and light blue shoes. The family and law enforcement are urging residents in Selma and surrounding communities to remain vigilant and check their properties, outbuildings, and any remote areas they might have access to.

The California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) has also joined the collaborative effort, bringing additional resources and expertise to the complex search.

The community's response has been remarkable, with many offering to assist in the physical search or by spreading awareness through social media.

Anyone with information regarding John Michael Smith's whereabouts is urged to immediately contact the Selma Police Department or the Fresno County Sheriff's Office.

Every tip, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could be crucial in bringing John Michael home to his anxious family.