A non-verbal missing man has been reunited with his family in a “Thanksgiving Miracle” after 25 years thanks to his sister recognizing his photo in a news article.
Authorities confirmed that the man, who went missing in 1999, had been found alive in a Los Angeles-area hospital.
The man’s sister spotted his picture in a USA Today article earlier this year and instantly recognized him as her long-lost brother called Tommy.
The article was an appeal to identify a nonverbal patient who had been in the hospital for many weeks, but staff had been unable to verify his identity.
However, after being sent the article and seeing the photograph, the man’s sister contacted the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office last Friday to alert them to his potential identity – setting in motion an investigation that would lead to Tommy finally being reunited with his family.
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Tommy disappeared voluntarily from Doyle, California, near Reno, Nevada, in 1999, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Derek Kennemore, who handled the case, contacted the hospital featured in the article but learned the man had been transferred to another facility in July.
But with the help of the Los Angeles Police Department, he tracked him down and Tommy’s fingerprints were taken, leading to them confirming his identity.
“The sister was super excited,” Captain Mike Carney of the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office told ABC News.
“She was very appreciative that we took the time to follow up on it. She was over the moon and anxious to call other family members to let them know.
“It’s going to make their Thanksgiving that much better.”
The family plans to reunite soon. Authorities have praised the case as an example of the importance of persistence in investigating missing persons.
Carney added: “This is a perfect example of not giving up on missing persons cases. Be tenacious because there are family members waiting.”
A family statement issued through the Larsson County Sherriff’s Office commended Deputy Kennemore for his work on the case and reuniting them with Tommy.
The statement said: “Tommy’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Anthony Robledo, a Trending News Reporter, for publishing the article that led to the discovery of Tommy.
“They also want to thank Deputy Sheriff Derek Kennemore from the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office for his diligent efforts in obtaining fingerprints and processing the results.
“We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who have played a role in this incredible outcome.
“To Tommy’s family, your courage and perseverance inspire us all. Today, we celebrate a reunion 25 years in the making—a moment that brings light to the darkest of times.”
The discovery will also bring hope to other families waiting for answers about missing loved ones.