UPDATE: Ground, aerial searches turn up no trace of missing Buchanan County man

An extensive search conducted by local and state crews has failed to produce any sign of 76-year-old William Arthur Cole, Jr.

An update from Sheriff John McClanahan said officers with several local fire departments, the Virginia State Police, and Department of Emergency Management were deployed on the ground and used drones and the agency’s MedFlight helicopter to search over top of wooded areas to try and the Buchanan County man.

It’s been almost two weeks since family members were in contact with Cole who investigators believe went for a walk near his home located in the Jewell Ridge section of the county. McClanahan says more searches are scheduled while the investigation continues.

(IMAGE: ST929 Archives)