Huntsville, Alabama, October 12, 2025
News Summary
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency issued a missing person alert for Douglas Van Hale, an 83-year-old man who went missing in Huntsville. The alert was successfully canceled after the public assisted in his location. Hale was last seen near Serenity Lane wearing a white T-shirt and carrying a white blanket. His potential cognitive condition raised concerns, underscoring the importance of community vigilance. The alert was canceled on October 11, with authorities thanking the public for their help.
Huntsville, Alabama – Missing Alert Canceled for 83-Year-Old Man
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) issued a missing and endangered person alert for Douglas Van Hale, an 83-year-old man, who was reported missing in Huntsville. The alert was canceled on Saturday, October 11, at approximately 4 p.m. after officials received assistance from the public in locating Hale.
Douglas Van Hale was last seen on Friday, October 10, at around 7 p.m. in the vicinity of Serenity Lane in Huntsville. Authorities were particularly concerned because Hale may have a condition that could impair his judgment, raising the urgency of the alert.
At the time of his disappearance, Hale was reported to be wearing a white T-shirt and carrying a white blanket. He is described as being 6 feet tall, weighing 185 pounds, with blue eyes and gray or partially gray hair. Officials stated that Hale may have been driving a red 2020 Infiniti QX60 with Alabama license plate 47ANXBD.
The Huntsville Police Department sought the public’s help in locating Hale early Saturday morning, urging anyone with information related to his whereabouts to contact them at 256-427-5466 or dial 911.
Background Information
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the safety of elderly individuals, particularly those who may suffer from cognitive conditions that interfere with their ability to navigate safely. Community engagement played a pivotal role in resolving this situation swiftly, as citizens were alerted in a timely manner to assist local authorities.
The alert issued by ALEA serves as a reminder of the importance of public awareness when someone goes missing, particularly vulnerable populations such as the elderly. Authorities appreciate the communities’ responsiveness and cooperation in helping to locate missing individuals quickly.
Conclusion
As of the cancellation of the alert, Douglas Van Hale has been located and the situation resolved without further complications. This incident serves as a reminder for vigilance within communities to protect and assist those who may be at risk.
FAQs
What was the age of Douglas Van Hale?
Douglas Van Hale is 83 years old.
When was the missing alert issued for Douglas Van Hale?
The missing alert was issued on Friday, October 10.
What was the last known location of Hale?
Hale was last seen in the area of Serenity Lane in Huntsville, Alabama.
What was Hale wearing when he was last seen?
At the time of his disappearance, Hale was wearing a white T-shirt and a white blanket.
What kind of vehicle may Hale have been driving?
Hale may have been driving a red 2020 Infiniti QX60 with Alabama license plate 47ANXBD.
When was the alert canceled?
The alert was canceled on Saturday, October 11, at approximately 4 p.m.
How can people provide information about missing persons?
Anyone with information regarding Hale’s whereabouts was encouraged to contact Huntsville Police at 256-427-5466 or call 911.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Douglas Van Hale |
| Age | 83 years |
| Last Seen | Friday, October 10, at 7 p.m. |
| Location | Serenity Lane, Huntsville, Alabama |
| Clothing | White T-shirt and white blanket |
| Physical Description | 6 feet tall, 185 pounds, blue eyes, gray hair |
| Vehicle | Red 2020 Infiniti QX60, license plate 47ANXBD |
| Alert Canceled | Saturday, October 11, at 4 p.m. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Huntsville Authorities Cancel Missing Persons Alert for 83-Year-Old Man
Huntsville Faces Economic Challenges Amid Federal Shutdown
Silver Alert Canceled for Missing Woman in Richmond
Huntsville Federal Workers Face Financial Uncertainty Amid Shutdown
The Pentagon Investigates Nearly 300 Employees for Online Comments
Faribault Police Seek Help to Find Missing Woman
Huntsville Man Arrested After Grocery Store Incident
Huntsville Woman Arrested for Attempted Murder and Drugs
Concerns Rise in Huntsville Over Police Arrests
Tuscaloosa Man Arrested in Hit-and-Run Incident
Additional Resources
- WAFF: Huntsville Police Searching for Missing 83-Year-Old Man
- ABC3340: Huntsville Police Seek Public’s Help to Find Missing 83-Year-Old Man
- WHNT: Huntsville Police Looking for Missing 83-Year-Old Man
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Missing Persons
- Google Search: Missing Persons Huntsville
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
