Silver Alert Issued for Missing Nashville Man

Walter Owens Jr. discharged from hospital, did not return home

Jan. 29, 2026 at 4:55pm

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The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has issued a Silver Alert for a 66-year-old man named Walter Owens Jr. who was discharged from Nashville General Hospital on Wednesday evening but did not return to his residence. Owens has a medical condition that could impair his ability to safely get home without assistance.

Why it matters

Silver Alerts are issued to help locate missing persons, especially elderly individuals or those with cognitive impairments, who may be in danger. Owens' disappearance raises concerns about patient safety and discharge protocols at the hospital.

The details

According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, Owens was discharged from Nashville General Hospital around 8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28th. He was last seen near the area of Albion Street and is described as 6'0" tall, 200 pounds, bald with brown eyes. Owens was wearing a yellow and blue shirt, gray jogging pants, and black Crocs when he went missing.

  • Owens was discharged from Nashville General Hospital around 8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
  • Owens was last seen on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 near the area of Albion Street.

The players

Walter Owens Jr.

A 66-year-old man who was discharged from Nashville General Hospital and did not return to his residence.

Metro Nashville Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that issued the Silver Alert for Walter Owens Jr.

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

The state law enforcement agency that issued the Silver Alert for Walter Owens Jr.

Nashville General Hospital

The hospital that discharged Walter Owens Jr. on the night he went missing.

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What’s next

The Metro Nashville Police Department is asking anyone with information about Owens' whereabouts to call 615-862-8600.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of proper discharge protocols and patient safety measures at hospitals, especially for vulnerable individuals like the elderly or those with medical conditions. It also underscores the vital role of Silver Alerts in helping to locate missing persons who may be in danger.