DOVER (DE): An elderly man, who police just a day prior put out a Gold Alert for, was found dead in his car at the bottom of the Pocomoke River near Laurel on New Year’s eve. Police have identified the man as 86-year-old. “Wilber “Eugene” Bray. A Gold Alert is the alert code for a missing elderly person.
According to the Pocomoke City, Maryland Police Department, “a van matching the description of Bray’s was seen driving off of a dock by two witnesses shortly after 10:00 PM. The vehicle was recovered from the Pocomoke River at the Laurel Street boat dock and Bray was pronounced deceased at 4:30 AM at a nearby hospital.
Just a day prior, the Dover Police Department issued a Gold Alert for the missing 86-year-old. “Wilber “Eugene” Bray was last seen on Tuesday, December 31st at approximately 9:00 AM driving a red Chevrolet Ventura van (DE TAG: PC51421) in the area of S. Little Creek Road. Bray suffers from a condition that may pose a threat to his well-being if not monitored properly. Bray’s clothing description is unknown, but he is 5’10” and 140 pounds. If you have any information on Bray’s whereabouts, please contact the Dover Police Department at 302-736-7111″, said Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer with the Dover Police Department.
We’re not suggesting that Bray’s intentions was suicidal, and April may be the cruelest month, but it isn’t the deadliest. That honor goes to January. The seasonality of death — more deaths in the winter, fewer in the summer — is a well-established and long-running public health mystery. A few years ago, a sociology professor named David Phillips examined 57 million death certificates issued between 1979 and 2004 and made an interesting finding: Not only do more people die in the winter months, but New Year’s Day is actually the deadliest day of all.
To bring light to the deadliest suicide month, If you are having suicidal thoughts talk to someone and get appropriate help. Just getting things out in the open can offer you some relief. The Baton Rouge Crises Center Hotline is available to anyone 24/7. That number is (225) 924-3900 or toll free (800) 437-0303
Story highlights
- Elderly man found dead in his car at the bottom of the Pocomoke River.
- Gold Alert was issued for missing man a day prior..
- Was this suicide or the work of mental health or other health issues?
