This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The search for a legally blind missing man with mental disabilities turned on Saturday from the Jordan River Trail in South Salt Lake to the surrounding community.
Benjamin Thomas Hyde, 35, has been missing since 4 p.m. Wednesday. He was last seen at an assisted living facility run by Valley Mental Health, where he is allowed to come and go freely, according to South Salt Lake police spokesman Gary Keller.
Police and Salt Lake County Search and Rescue teams searched near the Jordan River Friday afternoon, and by the next morning felt confident he was not there, Keller said. The river was of particular concern, considering Hyde's blindness and the rising waters brought on by melting snow.
Now, police are mostly dependent on the public to keep an eye out for Hyde, Keller said. South Salt Lake police sent a reverse 911 message about Hyde, alerting people to keep an eye out for him. Detectives are also investigating leads, some of which have pointed to West Valley City, he added.
Police describe Hyde as 6 feet, 1 inch tall and180 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a dark-colored T-shirt — possibly green — and dark pants. He can get around unassisted and frequents the area around 3300 South, from 800 West to Redwood Road, according to police. Keller did not expand on what mental issues Hyde has.
Anyone who sees him is encouraged to call emergency dispatchers at 801-840-4000.
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