Timothy Metcalf, a 74-year-old man from Ashland, Ohio, was reported missing on February 21, 2023. He was last seen walking away from his home on 12th Street in Ashland around 3 a.m. that day. According to his family, Metcalf was under significant stress at the time of his disappearance.
Following his disappearance, local authorities launched an extensive search effort. The search involved Ashland police, fire personnel, Ashland County Sheriff's Office deputies, Ohio State Highway Patrol officers, and the Ohio Special Response Team, along with family members and community volunteers. Despite their efforts, which included using specially trained canines and drones, Metcalf was not located during the initial search.
Nearly a year after his disappearance, on February 4, 2024, Metcalf's remains were discovered in a wooded lot in the 1000 block of East 9th Street in Ashland. A man walking along the train tracks in the area called 911 after finding what he described as bones.
The Ashland Police Department confirmed on February 23, 2024, that the remains belonged to Timothy Metcalf. His identity was verified using dental records. An autopsy performed by the Lucas County Coroner's Office determined that Metcalf died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Investigators found a .22 caliber handgun next to Metcalf's body, which had been reported missing from his residence at the time of his disappearance. The location where Metcalf's body was found was approximately 1.3 miles from his home, slightly outside the typical search radius for similar cases.
There is no information suggesting any arrests or suspects in relation to Metcalf's death, as it has been determined to be a case of suicide. The Ashland Police Chief, David Lay, has asked the community to keep Mr. Metcalf's family in their thoughts and to respect their privacy during this difficult time.
