CHESTERFIELD, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Two weeks after a Chesterfield man with dementia disappeared from his home, search teams are continuing efforts to find him — but with hope fading and few solid leads, the operation has shifted from an urgent rescue effort to a slow, methodical search for answers.

Robert Clay, 78, was last seen early in the morning on Tuesday, June 24, walking on Glebe Road, not far from his home. He had reportedly left sometime after being put to bed the previous night. Clay, who had previously wandered and been found at a hospital emergency room, had returned home that evening. By the next morning, he was gone again—and this time, he hasn’t come back.

Over the days that followed, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department coordinated a large-scale effort that included search dogs, drones, helicopters, and dozens of personnel scouring the rural landscape. Intense heat during the first days of the search made conditions difficult, and by the end of the first week, officials began reducing the number of active personnel.

As of this week, only one or two team members are assigned to follow up on occasional tips. While investigators have reviewed video footage and pursued various leads, none have provided any meaningful direction.

Clay was believed to be wearing white sneakers, blue jeans, and a long-sleeved denim shirt at the time of his disappearance. Described as 5-foot-7 and about 140 pounds, he walked with a noticeable hunch and may have been wearing a watch with contact details engraved.

Despite the dwindling activity, some community members have continued searching, including  volunteer drone operator Michael White of Spofford, a first responder who owns Rockingham Recon Aerial Services. He’s returned multiple times since, working alongside another drone company from Swanzey. White said he intends to keep searching as time allows and will respond to any credible new leads.

Clay’s family remains deeply distressed by the disappearance, expressing gratitude for the support of volunteers while urging residents to check their properties—including sheds, garages, and less-frequented outbuildings—for any signs.

Fish and Game officials say their presence in the area has remained consistent since Clay went missing. They have not ruled out resuming a full-scale operation if compelling new evidence surfaces.