In the early morning hours of October 3, 2015, 26-year-old Matthew Scheer was last seen in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He had been brought to Grand Strand Regional Hospital by his father the previous day, experiencing what was described as a sudden onset of psychosis. At approximately 1:30 a.m., wearing a blue t-shirt, and black, grey, and white plaid shorts, Matthew walked out of the hospital.
At the time of his departure from the hospital, a hurricane was making its way through Horry County. It is believed he may have headed towards the beach at approximately 68th Avenue North.
Matthew's family described him as having the "gentlest soul and biggest heart," and he was a beloved son and brother. Originally from Mays Landing, New Jersey, he had been employed at the Dunes Village Resort in Myrtle Beach for two years, where his colleagues would later miss his vibrant energy and spirit. Matthew had a passion for travel, movies, and music. His family's concern grew when he could not be located after leaving the hospital, initiating a search and a plea for public assistance in finding him.
In the years following his disappearance, Matthew's family filed a medical malpractice lawsuit. The lawsuit alleged that the hospital and its staff were negligent in allowing Matthew to leave in his mental state, particularly without notifying his father. The family contended that a psychiatric consultation that had been ordered was never conducted. In June 2019, a jury found the inpatient service at the hospital to be at fault for Matthew's death. Prior to the trial, the hospital had reached a settlement with the family. Though it is presumed that Matthew drowned in the Atlantic Ocean shortly after his release, his body has never been recovered, and his case officially remains an active missing person case. An obituary was later published by his family, remembering him as a kind and loving individual. The overview of this case reveals a young man in the midst of a mental health crisis who disappeared after leaving a medical facility during a storm. The subsequent legal action highlighted the responsibilities of healthcare providers in such critical situations, though for his loved ones, the lack of definitive answers leaves a painful void.Last Seen: Oct 3, 2015
