Thomas Murrell missing: Silver Alert issued for Atlanta man with dementia who vanished near LAX

Atlanta man visiting to board cruise vanishes near LAX

An urgent search is underway for Thomas Murrell, a man with dementia who wandered away from his hotel near the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Sunday night. Thomas and his wife had traveled to LA to go on a cruise.

LONG BEACH, Calif. - An urgent search is underway for 68-year-old Thomas Murrell, an Atlanta resident with dementia who vanished Sunday night near Los Angeles International Airport. 

Murrell had traveled to Los Angeles with his wife to embark on a cruise before wandering away from their hotel.

What we know:

Thomas Murrell is described as a bald man, standing 6'2" and weighing approximately 220 lbs, with brown eyes. 

At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a blue shirt, sweatpants, and a green hat. 

Thomas Murrell / Family photo provided to FOX 11

Because of his medical condition, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has officially issued a Silver Alert to help mobilize resources and public awareness across the region.

Murrell is a Navy veteran who spent time during his service in Long Beach.

What they're saying:

His family is pleading for assistance and has shared recent photos of Murrell in the clothing he was wearing when he walked away. 

Local authorities are treating the case with urgency due to his dementia and the busy nature of the airport district.

What you can do:

The public is being asked to keep a close watch, particularly in the areas surrounding LAX and nearby hotels. 

If you see a man matching Murrell's description or have any information regarding his current location, you are encouraged to call 911 immediately.