Parkman man found safe after evening lost in woods

By Ryan McLaughlin
BDN Staff

PARKMAN — A local man who got lost on the afternoon of April 21 while walking near his property was found safely that night, according to officials.

Gene Wilbur, 78, was found in fair condition around 10:30 p.m., according to Maine Warden Service Cpl. John MacDonald.

Wilbur had gone for a ride on his all-terrain vehicle near his Route 150 home but got lost after not returning home following a subsequent walk near his property, MacDonald said.

Wilbur’s property is located near Packard Brook, a densely wooded area containing bogs and beaver flowages.

Wilbur’s wife, family and friends searched for him after he didn’t return home when expected and called 911 around 7:45 p.m., MacDonald said.

Several game wardens, Dover-Foxcroft police officers and an Air National Guard helicopter with infrared equipment aided in the search. Wilbur was not prepared to spend a night in the woods because of health problems, MacDonald said.

Wilbur was taken to Mayo Regional Hospital for evaluation after being found.