News Summary
Michael Johnson, a 74-year-old man with Parkinson’s disease, was found alive after going missing for three days in Arizona. His family alerted authorities after he failed to return from an off-roading trip. Community volunteers and search teams mounted a large-scale effort that included a helicopter search. Johnson was located one mile from his vehicle, critically ill after being without medication and losing his glasses. He has been airlifted to a hospital for treatment, and a GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support his recovery.
Arizona Man with Parkinson’s Disease Found Alive After Three Days Missing in Wilderness
A 74-year-old man suffering from Parkinson’s disease was located alive after going missing for three days in the Heber-Overgaard area of Arizona. Michael Johnson disappeared on August 27, prompting a massive search effort by local authorities and community volunteers.
Johnson’s family reported him missing after he did not return from a trip in his off-road vehicle. His wife and a friend initiated a search that lasted until 1 a.m. the following day, when they contacted the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office for assistance.
Over the following days, three search and rescue teams, along with at least 100 community members, actively searched for Johnson. Their efforts intensified after hunters discovered Johnson’s vehicle on August 30. A helicopter crew was then deployed to search the vicinity.
Johnson was located about one mile north of his vehicle, lying unresponsive but still breathing. He was in critical condition, having spent three days without his medication, after losing his glasses, which complicated his ability to manage the symptoms of his Parkinson’s disease.
Throughout his ordeal, Johnson found temporary shelter in his vehicle and was able to build fires at night to stay warm. Unfortunately, without his medication, his condition deteriorated significantly. Family friends later expressed that he would not have survived another night in those conditions.
Once located, Johnson was promptly airlifted to a hospital in Flagstaff for treatment and recovery. Although the experience has worsened the state of his Parkinson’s disease, he is showing signs of improvement. Upon waking, one of Johnson’s first requests was for a Pepsi, indicating his resilience and desire to reclaim some sense of normalcy.
In response to the mounting medical bills, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up and has raised over $12,000 to support Johnson’s recovery. The community of Heber-Overgaard has rallied around the Johnson family, demonstrating a profound spirit of support, with many individuals contributing even though they did not know Johnson personally.
The search and rescue teams, along with the Sheriff’s Department and community members, have received immense gratitude from Johnson’s family for their support during the search effort. While Johnson remains hospitalized, he is on the path to recovery, although he faces a long road ahead.
Background Context
This incident highlights the challenges faced by individuals living with chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, particularly when they become isolated in wilderness settings. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement control, resulting in symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and balance issues. As seen in Johnson’s case, the absence of medication can significantly impact one’s ability to function and survive in difficult situations.
The search for Johnson underscores the importance of community engagement in times of crisis, as shown by the swift response and support from local residents and volunteer organizations. Their efforts not only provided critical assistance to the search teams but also demonstrated the resilience and unity of the community in the face of adversity.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fox 10 Phoenix
- Wikipedia: Parkinson’s Disease
- Local 12 News
- Google Search: Parkinson’s Disease
- My Radio Place
- Google Scholar: Parkinson’s Disease
- News Break
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Parkinson’s Disease
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
