Search Continues for Missing Wahpeton Man

Family, friends, and volunteers look for 73-year-old Alfred 'Al' Odden last seen at a Valley City gas station

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:30pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a worn and weathered car key fob against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the search for a missing person.The search for a missing elderly man with dementia has mobilized the community to utilize all available resources, including aerial surveillance, to try to locate him safely.Fargo Today

Authorities have issued a Silver Alert and search teams are scouring the area around Valley City, North Dakota for Alfred 'Al' Odden, a 73-year-old man from Wahpeton who was last seen a week ago at a local gas station. Odden, who has dementia, was driving a teal 1994 Ford F-150 pickup truck and may have become confused on his way home from a trip to Fargo.

Why it matters

The search for Odden is a high-priority community effort, as he is considered a vulnerable adult who requires assistance. His disappearance has sparked concern and mobilized local resources to try to locate him safely.

The details

According to authorities, Odden was last seen on April 2, 2026 at a Casey's gas station in Valley City. His teal 1994 Ford F-150 pickup truck with a red topper was also spotted at the same location. Odden's son, Dave, told local media that his father had been traveling to Fargo and may have become disoriented on his way back home to Wahpeton. Badlands Search and Rescue Service has enlisted two civilian aircraft and pilots to aid in the aerial search of a predetermined area.

  • Odden was last seen on April 2, 2026 at a Casey's gas station in Valley City.
  • A Silver Alert for Odden remains active as the search continues.

The players

Alfred 'Al' Odden

A 73-year-old man from Wahpeton, North Dakota who has been missing for a week. Odden has dementia and was last seen driving a teal 1994 Ford F-150 pickup truck.

Dave Odden

The son of Alfred 'Al' Odden, who believes his father may have become confused while driving home from a trip to Fargo.

Badlands Search and Rescue Service

A search and rescue organization that has enlisted two civilian aircraft and pilots to aid in the aerial search for Alfred 'Al' Odden.

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What they’re saying

“His father had been making a trip to Fargo and may have become confused on his way home to Wahpeton.”

— Dave Odden, Son of Alfred 'Al' Odden

What’s next

Authorities and search teams will continue combing the area around Valley City, North Dakota in an effort to locate Alfred 'Al' Odden and bring him home safely.

The takeaway

The search for the missing 73-year-old man with dementia has become a top priority for the local community, who are working together to utilize all available resources to try to find him and ensure his wellbeing.