On September 28, 2025, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a missing person at the Yellow Banks State Recreation Area, located between Battle Creek and Meadow Grove around 2:15pm.

Deputies were dispatched to the south side of the park after friends and family of a 64-year-old Tilden-area resident reported they had not spoken to him for three days. A friend camping in the area recognized the man’s vehicle parked nearby Saturday morning and notified authorities Sunday after he was unable to locate his friend.

Deputies were advised, that the missing man has a known medical condition that can cause confusion and disorientation. Deputies estimated he had been missing in the recreation area for nearly 48 hours.

A multi-agency search was immediately launched, involving teams from the Norfolk Fire and Police drone units, Madison County Drone Team, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and Battle Creek Fire and Rescue. Searchers deployed drones, all-terrain vehicles, and conducted ground searches on foot.

Just before nightfall, a drone identified a heat signature beneath a log structure. Search teams quickly responded, located the man, and provided immediate medical assistance. He was transported by Battle Creek Rescue to Faith Regional Health Services for evaluation.

“This was a time-sensitive situation, and all first responders did an outstanding job during this critical incident,” said Madison County Sheriff Todd Volk.

The Sheriff’s Office thanks all agencies and individuals involved for their coordinated efforts and quick action in bringing this search to a successful conclusion