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Grieving family members of Allan Wakefield are still waiting for more answers after a two-day search for the missing 71-year-old Sarnia man turned into a sudden death investigation that closed a section of Highway 402 between Sarnia and Strathroy for about six hours Monday.
“I’ve never felt such hurt in my life,” one of Wakefield’s children posted on social media. “Losing momma in April really broke me and this I can’t even put into words. Give momma a big hug for me dad I’m so sorry you were alone.”
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Lambton OPP issued a statement shortly after 9 a.m. Monday asking the public for help finding Allan – a last name wasn’t included – a 71-year-old Lambton County-area man who was last seen on Highway 402 near the Nauvoo Road exit around 5 a.m. Sunday. A few hours later, police cautioned the busy provincial highway was being closed in both directions between Nauvoo and Forest roads as the missing person search had turned into a sudden death probe.
Police issued few other details Monday other than saying the investigation was in the early stages and the highway had reopened around 4 p.m.
Family members said Tuesday they’ve been told by police there was a single-vehicle crash on the highway and no foul play was involved, but they were still waiting for more police reports to come back.
“The investigation is still in its early stages, and we have no further updates to provide at this time. We will provide additional information as it becomes available,” a Lambton OPP spokesperson said Tuesday via email.
The search started Sunday on the highway a little further east in Middlesex County, where the retired Arlanxeo operator was first reported missing. In a post on the social media platform X around 10:30 p.m., the OPP cautioned of an increased police presence in the area of Egremont Drive and Kerwood Road. Police said it was for a missing person investigation and there was no threat to public safety.
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Pleas for help poured out on social media Sunday night into Monday morning, with Wakefield’s family posting he’d last been seen in a maroon Dodge Durango. As police searched the area with a helicopter and police dog, concerns were heightened as Wakefield had recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the family’s social media post.
News of Wakefield’s death has sparked an outcry of sympathy on social media for the family, especially from people whose parents have also been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
“I’m so sorry for your loss, stay strong,” one person wrote.
“I am completely lost for words,” another person added.
“So very sorry. Deepest Sympathy to you and your family. May your dear dad rest in peace,” one person commented.
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