‘Trapped in a nightmare’: Wife of missing Hernando County man fearful for his return

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office is suspending the search for David Lamar Brown who went missing last Tuesday.

The 69-year-old went for a walk with his brother’s dog and never returned.

He was last seen in a wooded area near Batten Road between Deerfly Road and Family Lane.

His disappearance has been devastating for his family.

David Brown’s wife said he’s battling stage 4 cancer and made a special trip from Georgia to spend time with his brother.

“I feel like I’m trapped in a nightmare I can’t wake from,” Amy Brown said. “I run through the scenarios through my head of what could have happened. I’m baffled. I don’t know how someone vanishes into thin air.”

Amy Brown’s heartache over her husband’s disappearance grows deeper each day.

She continues to cope with the painful reality that he’s been missing for one week.

“He’s a wonderful man,” Carl Brown said. “He’s joyous most of the time. He’s been dealing with his illness. He’s a very personable person and loves people.”

The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office released images from a neighbor’s surveillance camera showing a snapshot of Brown’s path and noticeable signs of distress.

Brown was missing his glasses, shoes, and a sock. He was wearing a shirt with horizontal stripes with visible tears.

His family is exploring additional possibilities about where he could be.

“Maybe somebody picked him up,” said Amy Brown. “Maybe he’s not anywhere near Hernando County right now. If you’ve seen him, let somebody know so I can come get him.”

The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office has described David Brown as follows:

• White /Male
• Approximately 70 years old
• Grey Hair
• Grey Goatee
• Thin Build
• White shirt with horizontal blue stripes (ripped on the back)
• Blue Shorts
• No Shoes and Possibly One Sock (was originally wearing shoes; however, surveillance footage shows one sock only, no shoes).

Anyone with information about Brown’s disappearance is asked to call the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office at 352-754-6830.

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