NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Wallace "Buzz" Carter, who went missing during a hike at Beaman Park on Saturday, has been found alive.
Metro police said the 67-year-old was found on a private property near the park by Ryan Perry and her boyfriend, who were checking the area on an ATV. When they found Carter, he was waving his shirt with a stick.
They gave him three bottles of water and a Rice Krispie Treat.
"We kind of looked at each other like 'wow there is he.' It was shocking," Perry said. "I think I was shaking more than he was but we're glad he was OK."
Pure joy from Carter’s family members as he’s now being taken to the hospital. A few scratches and dehydration. Tune to @NC5 since we spoke to the people who found him. @NC5 pic.twitter.com/8W8gYyhYCp
— Matthew Torres (@NC5_MTorres) September 30, 2019
VIDEO: @NC5 was there as Wallace Carter was taken away in an ambulance. Police say he’s doing remarkably well despite what he’s been through. pic.twitter.com/wXMZjiKNAr
— Matthew Torres (@NC5_MTorres) September 30, 2019
Speaking from Saint Thomas West Hospital, Carter said he was thankful to those who volunteered their time to help find him.
"I want to thank the rescue team and the volunteers - particularly Jeremy Ford and his girlfriend, who were the first to find me. I'm feeling good and ready to go home," Carter said.
Metro Police say Carter was hiking at Beaman Park on Saturday but never returned home. Police later found Carter's cell phone, along with water and snacks, inside his locked car.
More than 100 volunteers, along with police officers and other officials, searched throughout the day Sunday. About 200 volunteers resumed their search Monday morning. Christ Presbyterian Church, where Carter attends, and his daughters' school Brentwood Academy called for members to join the search efforts.
NewsChannel 5's Matthew Torres spoke with Carter's sister, Fern Carter Smith, who drove from Alabama for the search. Smith said her brother was dehydrated, dirty and had some cuts but is doing remarkable well. She is thankful for is safety.
