Marinette County man lost in woods for 3 nights found safe, family extends gratitude

LAKE, Wis. (WFRV) – A 76-year-old man from Marinette County was reported missing on Tuesday evening . On Friday, he was found alive in a heavily wooded area after being lost in the woods for three nights.

Norman Hoefert, 76, was reported to last be seen in the Crivitz area after walking away from his house in the Town of Lake on October 8 around 12:50 p.m.

After days of searching with the help of numerous law enforcement agencies, fire departments, volunteers, businesses, drones, K9 Units, and grid searches, a clue on Hoefert’s whereabouts was found on Friday afternoon, around 1:25 p.m.

Deputies with the Marinette County Sheriff’s Office say on October 11, a clothing item of Hoefert’s was found in a heavily wooded area in Lake, roughly one mile from Hoefert’s last known location.

Several other items were found once authorities performed a perimeter check, leading to the discovery of Hoefert lying on the ground, alive.

It was noted in the release that Hoefert received medical treatment after being taken out of the woods.

The Hoefert family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to supporters from so many departments, volunteers, and businesses who helped in finding Norm Hoefert alive yesterday; surviving three nights lost in the woods.

Dan Hoefert

No other details have been provided.

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