ASHLAND — Police announced Friday that remains found in early February in a wooded lot in Ashland belong to Timothy Metcalf, an elderly man who walked away from his home a year ago.
Police said officials confirmed Metcalf’s identity using dental records and cited an autopsy performed by the Lucas County Coroner’s Office that found Metcalf died from a “self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
“The initial investigation into Metcalf’s disappearance determined that a .22 caliber handgun was missing from the residence,” read a news release from Ashland police.
“Investigators found the missing handgun next to Metcalf’s body.”
Metcalf was 74 when he was reported missing, on Feb. 21, 2023.
Authorities launched a search for Metcalf in the days following his disappearance. Ashland police were joined by Ashland fire personnel, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Ohio State Highway Patrol officers, and the Ohio Special Response Team, along with family and community volunteers.
The news release cited Ohio Special Response Team statistics that show a 75% probability that a missing individual, under similar circumstances, would be located within .9 miles of their home.
“Local public safety officials combed the area within this perimeter on the ground using specially trained canines and by air with drones,” stated the news release.
Ashland police Chief David Law said local search efforts took them near the site, “as close as Cahn Grove Park and the west side of Clark Street.”
“However, officials and volunteers did not enter the specific area where Metcalf’s body was found, approximately 1.3 miles from his home,” Lay said.
A man walking along the train tracks on East Ninth Street on Feb. 5 called 911 when he found what he described as bones.
“It’s bones. I’m guessing it was a guy by the shoes that were still on,” he said.
Police responded to the area, closing it off to traffic for five hours.
“We ask that our community please keep Mr. Metcalf’s family in your prayers, and show them kindness by respecting their privacy during this difficult time,” Chief Lay said.
The Metcalf family issued the following statement: