Found Deceased CA - Eric Smith, never returned home after going for a walk

[beyondbabylon]

Deputies are asking the Public's Assistance in Locating a Missing Big Bear Man from SBSD - Big Bear Sheriffs Department : Nixle

DATE: June 27, 2022 INCIDENT: Missing Person LOCATION: 400 block of Wagon Wheel Way, Big Bear City MISSING PERSON: Eric Smith, Age 54 SUMMARY: On Monday, June 27, 2022, at about 9:00 ...

nixle.us

Eric Smith, has been missing since Monday morning around 11:00.
Eric left his home in Big Bear City (near Shay Meadow/East Big Bear Blvd) a little before 11:00 am on Monday, June 27th.
He went on a walk and left his wallet, cellphone and keys behind. He has not returned since.
He was feeling depressed.
He wore a grey t-shirt, jeans, black tennis shoes and a grey baseball cap.
He is 5'9”, has light brown hair, wears glasses and weighs approximately 190 pounds.
Eric has no serious medical conditions. He is a hard-working, responsible husband and father of four. He and his wife own the Grind and Grill Cafe in Big Bear Lake. He usually spends a lot of time working at the restaurant. When he can, he enjoys a walk in the woods, which is where we believe he was headed to on Monday morning.

He had been very stressed and overwhelmed and had talked about needing to escape and unplug. But when he did not show up for work (which is totally out of character for him), we sought more help.

 

[beyondbabylon]

This occurred in my hometown and were hoping to find some answers. Thanks for looking

 

[Happypetitvieux01]

Does he go often for a walk? Always same streets - park - trail? Any place with camera where he could be seen?

 

[Vtgirl93]

I've been thinking about this since I saw it posted earlier. To me it seems a little suspicious. The Facebook post IMO seems more like an obituary than a missing person article. And the police mention that there are cognitive disabilities but his wife does not mention this in the original post she just mentions depression but the police do not mention the depression in their article.

I would honestly put his dog on a long leash and see of the dog catches his scent if he walked away from the house. I know a lot of times thats what they do with missing local people in my area.

 

[hibachai]

Does he go often for a walk? Always same streets - park - trail? Any place with camera where he could be seen?

Also, does he usually leave his phone and keys behind?

 

[slowpoke]

Deputies are asking the Public's Assistance in Locating a Missing Big Bear Man from SBSD - Big Bear Sheriffs Department : Nixle

DATE: June 27, 2022 INCIDENT: Missing Person LOCATION: 400 block of Wagon Wheel Way, Big Bear City MISSING PERSON: Eric Smith, Age 54 SUMMARY: On Monday, June 27, 2022, at about 9:00 ...

local.nixle.com

from the link:
“Smith is considered a critical missing person, as he has recently displayed cognitive difficulties.”

 

[Knox]

Deputies are asking the Public's Assistance in Locating a Missing Big Bear Man from SBSD - Big Bear Sheriffs Department : Nixle

DATE: June 27, 2022 INCIDENT: Missing Person LOCATION: 400 block of Wagon Wheel Way, Big Bear City MISSING PERSON: Eric Smith, Age 54 SUMMARY: On Monday, June 27, 2022, at about 9:00 ...

local.nixle.com

from the link:
“Smith is considered a critical missing person, as he has recently displayed cognitive difficulties.”

I wonder what his cognitive difficulties are? Extended stress, particularly related to work can be devastating to your physical health. I know this first hand.

 

[mpnola]

Also, does he usually leave his phone and keys behind?

When I worked in mental health, this was one of the first ways I suspected self harm. They often leave all their items behind. I am hoping for peace and answers for him and his family.

 

[Knox]

Any updates on Eric?

 

[mpnola]

Oh I really hope he just needs some time away!!

You are free to be left alone, just let someone know you are ok, Buddy!!

 

[Sillybilly]

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[rosesfromangels]

Unfortunately, similar cases have not turned out well. Water, men always go to the water.
Perhaps his cognitive issues were more serious than anyone realized. Prayers for this family.

Amateur opinion and speculation

 

[avlmtns]

‘The news we were dreading’: Missing Big Bear restaurant owner found dead

Restaurant owner Eric Smith, 54, who had been missing for nearly two weeks, has been found deceased in Big Bear.

www.vvdailypress.com

Smith’s body was located less than 4 miles south of his home near the 400 block of Wagon Wheel Way, where he walked away on the morning of June 27.

“They found him lying on the ground amid trees. He was using his Trader Joe's bag as a pillow,” Smith said. “The coroner said he looked peaceful. Like he had lain down and fallen asleep there.”

 

[tiffkinsadder]

Deputies are asking the Public's Assistance in Locating a Missing Big Bear Man from SBSD - Big Bear Sheriffs Department : Nixle

DATE: June 27, 2022 INCIDENT: Missing Person LOCATION: 400 block of Wagon Wheel Way, Big Bear City MISSING PERSON: Eric Smith, Age 54 SUMMARY: On Monday, June 27, 2022, at about 9:00 ...

nixle.us

Eric Smith, has been missing since Monday morning around 11:00.
Eric left his home in Big Bear City (near Shay Meadow/East Big Bear Blvd) a little before 11:00 am on Monday, June 27th.
He went on a walk and left his wallet, cellphone and keys behind. He has not returned since.
He was feeling depressed.
He wore a grey t-shirt, jeans, black tennis shoes and a grey baseball cap.
He is 5'9”, has light brown hair, wears glasses and weighs approximately 190 pounds.
Eric has no serious medical conditions. He is a hard-working, responsible husband and father of four. He and his wife own the Grind and Grill Cafe in Big Bear Lake. He usually spends a lot of time working at the restaurant. When he can, he enjoys a walk in the woods, which is where we believe he was headed to on Monday morning.

He had been very stressed and overwhelmed and had talked about needing to escape and unplug. But when he did not show up for work (which is totally out of character for him), we sought more help. View attachment 352308

Prayers, hoping he’s located safely.

 

[tiffkinsadder]

Prayers, hoping he’s located safely.

I’m so sorry. Prayers for his family, friends and community.

‘The news we were dreading’: Missing Big Bear restaurant owner found dead

Restaurant owner Eric Smith, 54, who had been missing for nearly two weeks, has been found deceased in Big Bear.

www.vvdailypress.com

Smith’s body was located less than 4 miles south of his home near the 400 block of Wagon Wheel Way, where he walked away on the morning of June 27.

“They found him lying on the ground amid trees. He was using his Trader Joe's bag as a pillow,” Smith said. “The coroner said he looked peaceful. Like he had lain down and fallen asleep there.”

So sad.

 

[Vtgirl93]

He was found yesterday morning. This is from the police department

 

[BeckyF]

Prayers, hoping he’s located safely.

He was found deceased.

 

[noseynancy]

‘The news we were dreading’: Missing Big Bear restaurant owner found dead

Restaurant owner Eric Smith, 54, who had been missing for nearly two weeks, has been found deceased in Big Bear.

www.vvdailypress.com

 

[evilwise]

Perhaps the depression and/or cognitive difficulties were related to a recent serious medical diagnosis or other soon expected rapid decline...

 

[slowpoke]

‘The news we were dreading’: Missing Big Bear restaurant owner found dead

Restaurant owner Eric Smith, 54, who had been missing for nearly two weeks, has been found deceased in Big Bear.

www.vvdailypress.com

Smith’s body was located less than 4 miles south of his home near the 400 block of Wagon Wheel Way, where he walked away on the morning of June 27.

“They found him lying on the ground amid trees. He was using his Trader Joe's bag as a pillow,” Smith said. “The coroner said he looked peaceful. Like he had lain down and fallen asleep there.”

What sad news.

It is curious he would take a Trader Joe’s shopping bag yet not his phone, keys or wallet. Was something in the bag he was carrying when he left his house, like maybe lunch? Or was he planning on foraging something in the forest?

I hope it was indeed a peaceful passing.