CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)- A family is searching for answers after a Charleston man went missing while on vacation in Mexico earlier this week.
Savannah Miller said her father Edmond Bradley Solomon III, 66, was recently diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, a type of degenerative disorder that affects a person’s behavior, rather than memory.
“He sometimes says odd things and behaves erratically — or oddly — because he’s just doing what he knows how to do,” Miller explained. “He can’t process the same way you or I can.”
Solomon recently embarked on a Caribbean cruise with his wife, Mimi, and other family members. But, the trip soon took a distressing turn after he disappeared during one of their stops in Cozumel, Mexico.
Miller said the couple got off the ship early Wednesday afternoon to use the restrooms before leaving the terminal.
“When my stepmom, Mimi, came out, he wasn’t there,” Miller said. “She thought he might still be in the bathroom so she waited for him for a few minutes. He didn’t come out.”
Another family member went into the restroom to check on Solomon, but he was not there.
“That was the point that we knew he was lost,” Miller said. “We know that no matter where he was he would have difficulty understanding what was going on and communicating his needs due to his dementia. I think everyone just immediately became so terrified for his safety.”
The next morning, Miller said she received a call that her father was missing.
“I got the call about 5:30 in the morning and I just froze,” she said. “I didn’t even know how to process this information.”
Local authorities said Solomon was last seen along the road of Isla de la Pasión in Cozumel on Wednesday evening. He was wearing a white t-shirt, grey shorts, and dark sunglasses.
Solomon grew up in West Ashley and has spent his professional career working as a critical care nurse at Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in downtown Charleston, according to Miller. He is also an avid surfer and fisherman, although they said his condition has limited his ability.
“He liked to be with the people that he loved…he was always making sure that we were safe and we were cared for no matter who it was,” Miller said. “He’s always been a fixer and someone who’s just drawn to helping other people.”
Miller is now pleading for the community to return the favor and help her family find their loved one.
“I think it’s important to recognize how much time he’s put into helping others and it’s time to give back,” she said. “I think the best thing that anyone can do is just spread the word. Start yelling and screaming. Elevate it as much as possible so that there is awareness and so everyone on the island is looking for him.”
Solomon’s wife has remained in Mexico while the search continues. Miller and other family members will join her this weekend. A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family with travel expenses.
“I’m really looking forward to having Mimi by my side and being able to give my dad a hug again,” Miller said.
The family has been in contact with the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and the U.S. Consulate.
In a statement to News 2, a spokesperson for the FBI Columbia field office said they are aware of the missing person report but cannot comment at this time. The agency referred questions to the State Department.
