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Last updated 11:43 am CT September 02, 2010.
Body of Missing Man Found
Hilliard disappeared from his home on Nielson Crossing Road sometime between Tuesday night and early Wednesday. Relatives say he suffered from dementia.
Rescue crews knew from the beginning that this could end in tragedy. The cold weather, size of the property and how long he had been missing were all factors working against a successful search and rescue.
"The prognosis wasn't good for the outcome, so we were more in recovery mode than rescue," said Lake Of Egypt Fire Chief Kurby Crites.
Hilliard was last seen more than 24 hours ago. His daughter came to visit him around 4 p.m. Tuesday. When she returned Wednesday morning, he was nowhere to be found.
After close to eight hours of searching, Hilliard was found about a half-mile from his property at about 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Hilliard lived by himself on his 40 acre farm. He suffered from dementia. Family members say they're not sure why he left the house in the first place. He was not wearing a winter coat or hat.
"It kind of appears that maybe he got up in the middle of the night and went outside, but I have no idea why he would have done that," said Hilliard's daughter Jackie Corder.
Corder says her father was a wonderful man who was loved by everyone. Williamson County Sheriff's Deputies say there was no foul play in this incident. Hilliard simply left his house and got lost. Authorities say being outside in the cold weather for so long contributed to his death.
By Ryan Kruger
rkruger@wsiltv.com
Now: 1283451850
