CHESTERFIELD, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) – State and local authorities are continuing to search for a Chesterfield man who hasn’t been seen since Tuesday morning.
New Hampshire State Police (NHSP) issued a Silver/Missing Vulnerable Adult alert for Robert Clay, 77. Tuesday morning. At the time, NHSP said Clay was last seen at his home on Glebe Road Monday night, June 23. In an update on Saturday New Hampshire Fish and Game said there was a credible sighting of Clay around 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24 on Glebe Road. Fish and Game also said he may have been seen walking north on Glebe Road a short distance from his home, but he has not been seen since.
Over the last five days Fish and Game says search crews have been out in full force scouring forests, roads, and waters surrounding Clay’s home. That includes on foot, using K9 teams, drones, ATV’s, and a helicopter. Clay’s disappearance coincided with a heatwave in the Monadnock Region, as temperatures climbed into the 90’s to start the week with heat index values over 100 degrees.
Residents and others are asked to report anything they may have seen during that time in the area, which is in close proximity to New Hampshire Route 9 and the town of Westmoreland. Residents in the Spofford area of Chesterfield and Westmoreland are asked to check any home camera footage they may have as well and are encouraged to check around their homes and outbuildings.
Clay has been diagnosed with late-stage Dementia and Fish and Game says he has been located walking on roads in the area in the past.
Authorities believe Clay was wearing white Nike sneakers, blue jeans, and possibly a long sleeve denim shirt. He’s described as having gray hair and green eyes, about 5′ 7″ and 140 lbs., and walks with a hunch.
Anyone who may see Clay or has information on his whereabouts should contact dispatch at 603-271-3361 or local police. A flyer for Clay also lists 603-762-2257, and 603-762-7923 as contact numbers.
Several community members and more than a dozen agencies have responded to help in the search for Clay, including Fish and Game, NHSP, Massachusetts State Police Air Wing Unit, Chesterfield Police, the Spofford, Keene, Swanzey, Gilford, VT and Putney, VT fire departments, Rescue Inc., Upper Valley Wilderness Response Team, NH National Guard Volunteer Search and Rescue Team, New England K9 Search and Rescue and North Country Search Dogs.
The American Red Cross and J & J Discount is providing support for search parties as well by offering an area to stage, rest, and eat.