Search Continues for Wilson Man, 82

Wilson, N.C. — Authorities continued searching Monday for an 82-year-old Wilson man who went missing last week.

Wade Hampton Lamm, of 5111 Country Club Drive North, was last seen at the BB&T Bank on West Nash Street in Wilson around 5 a.m. Wednesday.

His 1997 white Ford F-250 truck with North Carolina plate XVL-9980 was found Thursday at the Days Inn in Washington, about 60 miles east of Wilson.

Authorities said there is no obvious sign that foul play is involved, but are investigating all possibilities.

Lamm's family said Monday he has heart problems, is without his medication and is suicidal.

"He needs to be found, if possible," his daughter, Linda Lamm Darden, said. "We need to get some more involvement from state agencies, if possible. This is a critical moment, here."

A Silver Alert – a statewide notification system that alerts the public when endangered adults go missing – was not issued because he does not suffer from dementia or other cognitive impairments – a requirement for the alert.

"I would think someone who is clearly depressed and suicidal and also – now that he has been wandering around for several days without his medication, I have to wonder, 'What is his mental state?'" Lamm's other daughter, Debbie Lamm, said.

Lamm is a white man with a fair complexion and blue eyes. He stands 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs about 160 pounds.

Anyone with information about where he might be is asked to call the Wilson Police Department at 252-399-2323 or the Washington Police Department at 252-946-1444.

7 Comments

WRAL.com welcomes your comments on this story. All comments are moderated prior to publication based on our posting guidelines. Please review them prior to posting and if your message is not approved.

VIEW ALL 7 COMMENTS

This story is closed for comments.

Latest Comments

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO MR. LAMM'S FAMILY. I HOPE HE IS FOUND SAFE. THE WAITING AND NOT KNOWING HAS GOT TO BE JUST HEART WRENCHING.

AFLOWERS
April 22, 2008 1:11 p.m.

That daughter, SunnyDays, happens to be my mother. We're all very upset that Wade has gone missing, and on top of that, she was speaking on TV. SO, WITH A COMBO OF UPSET + NERVOUS, ITS AMAZING SHE WAS ABLE TO SAY ANYTHING AT ALL. And as for you, just my2cents, you should keep your negative two cents to yourself. He wasn't p*ssed at us (in fact I wish that were the case, because then we would know he was still of sound mind). He had a medical appointment on the day he went missing, and was feeling depressed about it. That's why he left. The family of Mr. Lamm appreciates support and prayers, but not receiving the blame for such a tragic event.

mkmydy
April 22, 2008 10:03 a.m.

I certainly hope this kind looking man is found in good health and nothing is wrong, but I have to ask what kind of comment is this from a daughter whose father is missig "he needs to be found if possible."

SunnyDays
April 22, 2008 8:51 a.m.

I think I ran out of space for my last comment. I was just going to say that the more people who call up the police departments and TV stations, the more attention they will have to give to this. The least they can do is offer a PLAUSIBLE EXCUSE as to why a silver alert has not been issued. The family appreciates support and prayers for Wade.

mkmydy
April 21, 2008 9:20 p.m.

I wonder if he got p*ssed at his family and decided to take a vacation from them. If he left on his own free will and is of sound mind, I don't think they will do a silver alert for him. I pray he is safe and contacts his family soon.

just my2cents
April 21, 2008 3:06 p.m.