Irvington Community Searches for Missing Local Resident
Volunteers are searching for a 72-year-old man with Parkinson's and dementia who went missing on Tuesday evening.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Alzheimer’s
More than 150 volunteers are searching Irvington for 72-year-old David Skirvin, who was last seen leaving his home in the 5700 block of East New York Street at 6:30 p.m. on October 29. Skirvin has diagnoses of Parkinson's disease and dementia and was not carrying his phone or identification.
Why it matters
The search has taken on urgency as residents work to locate Skirvin before the arrival of over 50,000 visitors expected in the area for a Halloween festival on October 31. Volunteers are concerned that the massive influx of people will complicate recovery efforts in the neighborhood.
A grassroots search organized through social media has mobilized 150 volunteers to assist in the recovery effort. As of 2 p.m. on October 30, authorities had not issued a Silver Alert for the 72-year-old resident.
The players
David Skirvin
He is a 72-year-old resident who has been diagnosed with both Parkinson's disease and dementia.
The details
Skirvin was last seen wearing a blue shirt, black athletic pants, gray shoes, and large eyeglasses. Volunteers have focused their search efforts on areas including the Pleasant Run Golf Course after dozens of residents combed the streets overnight.
Timeline
Skirvin was last seen leaving his home at 6:30 p.m. on October 29.
As of 2:00 p.m. on October 30, no Silver Alert had been issued.
A Halloween festival is scheduled to host 50,000 visitors on October 31.
The Big Picture
The search for Skirvin highlights a departure from the typical response timeline established by the Indiana Silver Alert program. Local grassroots efforts are filling the gap while the official public notification protocols remain inactive.
The situation underscores the necessity for caregivers to implement tracking measures for individuals with dementia who may wander without identification. Residents are advised to stay alert and report any sightings of a man matching Skirvin's description to local authorities immediately.
The takeaway
This case highlights the importance of rapid community mobilization when official alert systems have not yet been activated for vulnerable missing persons. Families of individuals with dementia should ensure their loved ones carry some form of identification at all times to assist in potential search efforts.
Further reading
Learn more about the local resources available for those living with memory-related conditions on the Alzheimer’s page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Indystar.
