Family Reacts To Missing Man’s Homecoming
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A two-day search for a missing Benton County man has come to an end, and his family said they are both very relieved and grateful. The Elkins family is celebrating because one of their own is home. “Words can’t describe it. We’re ecstatic. We’re tickled to death. We just can’t take our eyes off of our dad,” Christy McIntosh said. McIntosh’s dad is Gerald Elkins, 73, who was missing for two days after he got lost leaving his son’s house. “I had to sleep in the car and it was about 30 degrees, and so it was really rough,” Elkins said. Hunters later found him wandering in the woods near Granny’s Branch in north Benton County. According to family members, he was a little dehydrated and confused, but was doing all right overall. Elkins said he was worried being alone, because he did not have his cell phone. “I know there was no way that I could get out,” Elkins said. “You couldn’t walk out like that, and so yeah, I was worried, there’s no question about it.” Family members said they are very grateful for everyone who searched for him. “It’s a wonderful day,” said Scott Elkins, Elkins’ son. “None of us could be any happier so it turned out to be a good Thanksgiving, Christmas and all.” As for Elkins? He said he will not go anywhere without his cell phone again.
