Search Continues for Missing 82-Year-Old Man in South Carolina

Local law enforcement remains committed to finding David Graham, who walked away from his home in Hollywood, South Carolina last week.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Charleston County Sheriff's Office is leading a multi-agency search effort to find 82-year-old David Graham, who went missing from his home in Hollywood, South Carolina on February 16th. Despite days of searching by over 200 first responders across air, land, and water, Graham has not been located. Authorities are asking the public to check their properties and surveillance cameras for any information that could help bring Graham home.

Why it matters

The disappearance of an elderly man with severe dementia is a serious public safety concern, as he may be vulnerable and in need of immediate medical attention. The community-wide search effort demonstrates the importance of neighbors looking out for one another, especially for vulnerable populations.

The details

According to the Charleston County Sheriff's Office, David Graham walked away from his residence on Dixie Plantation Road in Hollywood, South Carolina on February 16th and has not been seen since. Despite days of searching by law enforcement using ATVs, drones, K-9 teams, and a helicopter, Graham remains missing. Authorities have deployed over 200 first responders across air, land, and water, including the U.S. Coast Guard, in an effort to find him.

  • David Graham was last seen on February 16th around noon.
  • Graham was first reported missing on February 17th.
  • The multi-agency search effort intensified on February 18th.

The players

David Graham

An 82-year-old man from Hollywood, South Carolina who has severe dementia and went missing from his home on February 16th.

Charleston County Sheriff's Office

The lead law enforcement agency coordinating the search effort to find David Graham.

Chardale Murray

The mayor of Hollywood, South Carolina, who stated the community is doing whatever it can to help find Graham.

Carl Ritchie

The Charleston County Sheriff who urged the public to continue praying and providing any information that could help locate Graham.

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What they’re saying

“If you see anything, call 911. I am telling you, we will follow it up 24/7. We will bring Mr. Graham home.”

— Carl Ritchie, Charleston County Sheriff (abcnews4.com)

“We are our brother's keeper. We are doing whatever we can to help.”

— Chardale Murray, Mayor of Hollywood, South Carolina (abcnews4.com)

“The biggest thing provided by our community is the prayers. Please, don't let those prayers stop.”

— Carl Ritchie, Charleston County Sheriff (abcnews4.com)

What’s next

Authorities have issued alerts across Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina in the hopes of locating any information about David Graham's whereabouts. The search effort will continue 24/7 until he is found.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of community vigilance and support for vulnerable populations, especially the elderly with cognitive impairments. The multi-agency search effort and public pleas for information demonstrate the shared responsibility we all have to look out for our neighbors in times of crisis.