Missing man found, but later dies

A missing Carroll Township man found after an extensive search died Monday evening at Monongahela Valley Hospital.

Ignatz 'Jack' Marvenko, 87, of 1619 Fourth St. Ext., was found lying near a creek in Diane Drive Park about 24 hours after wandering away from his home, said Washington County Coroner S. Timothy Warco. An autopsy will be performed to determine why Marvenko died.

Marvenko, who officials said suffered from dementia, was last seen by his family when he left home about 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

More than 50 people, along with a dog team and a medical helicopter, mounted an extensive search for Marvenko that continued throughout the day yesterday, said Carroll Township police Chief Paul Brand.

When firefighters found Marvenko about 4:30 p.m. yesterday, he was conscious, but was lying partially in a creek and appeared to be suffering from hypothermia, Brand said. Marvenko was taken by Tri-Community Ambulance to the nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The park is located less than a half-mile from the home where Marvenko lived with his daughter, Barbara Allridge, and her husband, Wayne, Brand said. The area is heavily wooded and concealed from the road, he said.

Marvenko had a history of walking away and getting lost, but this was the first time his family was unable to find him quickly, Brand said.

Marvenko's family thanked searchers for their efforts, the chief added.