Huntsville, Alabama, October 14, 2025
News Summary
Douglas Van Hale, an 83-year-old man from Huntsville, Alabama, was reported missing before being located shortly after. The missing person alert, issued following his disappearance, was canceled swiftly as the community and law enforcement worked together to ensure his safety. Douglas was last seen in the area of Serenity Lane, wearing a white t-shirt and carrying a white blanket, and possibly driving a red 2020 Infiniti QX60. The public had been asked for help in locating him during the brief search.
Huntsville, Alabama – Missing Person Alert Cancelled for Douglas Van Hale
Douglas Van Hale, an 83-year-old man from Huntsville, Alabama, is no longer considered missing following a brief search initiated by law enforcement. The alert, which was issued on Friday, October 10, was officially cancelled the next day, on Saturday, October 11, just before 4 p.m.
Douglas Van Hale was last seen on Friday evening at around 7 p.m. His last known location was reported to be in the vicinity of Serenity Lane in Huntsville. At the time of his disappearance, he was described as wearing a white t-shirt and carrying a white blanket. Van Hale is characterized as being 6 feet tall and weighing 185 pounds, with blue eyes and gray or partially gray hair.
Authorities had shared that Hale might be driving a red 2020 Infiniti QX60, which bears the Alabama license plate number 47ANXBD. It was also noted that he could be living with a condition that might impair his judgment. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) issued the alert in hopes of locating him swiftly and safely.
Community Involvement and Public Assistance
The Huntsville Police Department appealed to the public for assistance in finding Douglas Van Hale during the search period. They encouraged anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to reach out by contacting the Huntsville Police Department at 256-427-5466 or by dialing 911.
Background on Missing Person Alerts
Missing person alerts are issued by law enforcement agencies to prompt community involvement in the search for individuals who have been reported missing under potentially dangerous circumstances. In cases involving elderly individuals or those living with cognitive impairments, such alerts are crucial for facilitating a prompt and effective search effort.
In this case, the swift cancellation of the missing person alert indicates that Douglas Van Hale was located or otherwise accounted for, thanks to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and the community.
FAQ
Who is Douglas Van Hale?
Douglas Van Hale is an 83-year-old man who was reported missing in Huntsville, Alabama. He was last seen on Friday, October 10, at approximately 7 p.m.
What details were provided about his appearance?
Douglas Van Hale is described as being 6 feet tall and weighing 185 pounds, with blue eyes and gray or partially gray hair. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a white t-shirt and had a white blanket with him.
What vehicle was he possibly driving?
He may be driving a red 2020 Infiniti QX60 with Alabama license plate number 47ANXBD.
When was the missing person alert cancelled?
The missing person alert was cancelled on Saturday, October 11, just before 4 p.m.
How can someone report information about Douglas Van Hale?
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the Huntsville Police Department at 256-427-5466 or call 911.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Douglas Van Hale |
| Age | 83 years old |
| Last Seen | Friday, October 10, at 7 p.m. |
| Location | Serenity Lane, Huntsville, Alabama |
| Clothing | White t-shirt, white blanket |
| Physical Description | 6 feet tall, 185 pounds, blue eyes, gray or partially gray hair |
| Vehicle | Red 2020 Infiniti QX60 |
| License Plate | 47ANXBD |
| Alert Status | Cancelled on October 11 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Huntsville Police Cancel Search for Missing Elderly Man
Missing Alert Canceled for 83-Year-Old Man in Huntsville
Huntsville Authorities Cancel Missing Persons Alert for 83-Year-Old Man
Additional Resources
- ABC 33/40 News
- Wikipedia: Missing Person
- WHNT News 19
- Google Search: Huntsville Alabama missing person
- WVTM 13 News
- Google Scholar: Missing Person Alerts
- Spot on Alabama
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Missing Person Legislation
- Spot on Alabama – Alert Issued
- Google News: Huntsville Missing Persons

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.


