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Police: Church deacon found 5 days after going missing

Posted at 12:28 PM, Jul 21, 2019
and last updated 2019-07-22 20:09:33-04

GREENSVILLE COUNTY, Va. -- A Church deacon missing out of Greensville County has been found 5 days after he went missing.

On Monday, the Greenville Sheriff's Office revealed that Clarence Nix has been found, 5 days after he last seen on Wednesday.

"Clarence Nix has been located and is in good spirits. He needs a little medical attention, but nothing serious. We do not have any further information that we can pass on right now, but we are grateful he is safe! Thank you for your encouragement and prayers sent to the family and to the search and rescue personnel. The outpouring from this community has been tremendous and we are so thankful for you," police said in a statement.

Clarence Nix

Clarence Nix

The search: 

Crews grappled with heat exhaustion Saturday during the extreme heat and Jarratt told WTVR CBS 6 senior reporter Wayne Covil he was doubly worried about Nix.

“Time is running out as far as his safety and well-being,” Sheriff W.T. Jarratt Jr. said.

Officials stressed Nix is not in any trouble and that his parents are very worried about him.

“He’s never spent a night away from home," Jarratt said about the "well respected gentleman."

Additionally, the sheriff said the church deacon helps take care of his parents and they feel lost without him.

"They miss what he does for them and are having a hard time functioning at home without his help," Jarratt said.

Authorities said the fact that Nix does not have a cellphone nor credit card makes their search more difficult. However, officials said he may have some cash.

Officials expanded the search zone Saturday morning and urged folks to be on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary.

"If you see anything that looks different or out of place, please contact the sheriffs office," Jarratt said. "There will be searchers on the highways and road edges so please be aware."

Deputies have been conducting a manhunt since Wednesday afternoon and law enforcement has used a number of resources, including K-9s, search and rescue, tactical teams and water rescue teams.

In fact, Jarratt said crews have come from as far as Tidewater, Fairfax, Christiansburg and Blacksburg.

Additionally, the county has had resources from Virginia State Police and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.

There has also been an outpouring of support from local businesses and folks on social media.

"Thank you all for the encouraging words, messages and calls during this search, but please be sure to keep Clarence Nix in your thoughts and prayers that we can locate him and keep his family in your thoughts also," officials posted on Facebook late Friday.

If anyone has seen Nix or has information that could help investigators, call the Greensville County Sheriff’s Office at 434-348-4200.

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