The Flatwoods Police Department in Kentucky was urgently searching for 20-year-old Donovan Gwinn, who went missing early Tuesday morning. Fortunately, he was found alive on Thursday. Gwinn has cerebral palsy.
The situation was especially serious because temperatures were below freezing. Cold weather can quickly become dangerous for anyone who is lost, but the risks are even higher for disabled people They may struggle to find shelter, avoid dangers, or communicate their needs. Without vital items like glasses, medications, or mobility aids, staying safe is even harder.
When someone with a developmental or intellectual disability, like autism, goes missing, the risks increase further. They may be drawn to water, traffic, or isolated areas without realizing the danger. Others may feel overwhelmed by noise or become disoriented in unfamiliar places, making it hard for them to respond when someone approaches. This is why sharing information quickly and involving the community is so important.
Families and police across the country emphasize how vital community awareness is in cases like this. A neighbor checking a security camera, a driver noticing someone on the roadside, or a resident recognizing a description can provide the detail that leads to a safe recovery. Even brief observations can make a significant difference, especially when cold weather and medical needs increase the urgency.
Sources:
Anderson, Connie, et al. ‘Occurrence and Family Impact of Elopement in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders’. Pediatrics, vol. 130, no. 5, Nov. 2012, pp. 870–877, https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2012-0762.
Buzza, Hannah. “Family Offers $1,000 Reward for Information to Bring Home Son with Cerebral Palsy.” WSAZ, Gray Media, 8 Apr. 2026. https://www.wsaz.com/2026/04/08/family-offers-1000-reward-information-bring-home-son-with-cerebral-palsy/?outputType=amp.
Jones, Matt. “UPDATE: Flatwoods Police Report Missing Man Found.” The Daily Independent. CNHI, LLC, 9 Apr. 2026, https://www.dailyindependent.com/news/update-flatwoods-police-report-missing-man-found/article_727f1773-2faf-44ee-8d0e-da28bf58448e.html.