search party

UPDATE: The search for Duane Qualls ended tragically Friday morning. Searches found his body in a thickly wooded area on the east side of the lake.
According to the sheriff's office, there are no signs of foul play but the death is still under investigation.

 

Two days of searching, on ground, water and even in the air have not found Duane Qualls.
The Morris resident was last seen Monday in the area around Jim Hall Lake. He was last seen by family members Oct. 19. Residents around the lake said they heard him yelling Tuesday night but he has not been heard since.
A search with a boat along the lake shore Tuesday failed to locate Qualls.
Around 20 members of the Okmulgee County Sheriff’s office along with Henryetta police, Emergency Management and Creek Nation Emergency Management personnel were scouring the countryside around the lake on foot and with four-wheeled vehicles. An airplane from the Civil Air Patrol
Qualls’ pickup was found at the lake with the doors locked. There was no evidence of foul play around the vehicle.
According to the sheriff’s office, the 49-year-old Qualls is 5’8” tall and weighs about 170 pounds. It is not known what type of clothing he was last wearing.
He is said to have a history of diabetes, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia and is believed to be off his medication.