Missing North Canaan man found deceased

Update from Connecticut State Police Aug. 5: "The subject of the search was located deceased at approximately 1:50 p.m. There is no suspected criminal aspect at this time."

Tiffany Arango, a relative of Rafael Perez, wrote on Facebook Aug. 5, "Our family is devastated but thankful that he is finally home." She expressed gratitude to State Police and all community members that offered support in the search.

NORTH CANAAN — Searchers were out on Lower Road in North Canaan Monday morning, Aug. 4, looking for an elderly man last seen Saturday morning, Aug. 2.

Two of the men looking for Rafael Perez, age 71, were his son, also named Rafael Perez, and grandson, Sebastian Arango.

The missing man is described as a Hispanic male, white hair, brown eyes, 5’8” inches tall, 150 pounds. He was wearing a black shirt, blue shorts and black shoes. He has scars on his forehead and both knees.

Arango said his grandfather was last seen around 11:30 a.m. Saturday heading east on Route 44 and then south on Deely Road toward a cornfield and the north bank of the Blackberry River.

Arango said that area was searched yesterday and they were expanding the search along Lower Road.

Perez Jr. said his father has Parkinson’s disease and dementia.

State police and a search team of about 40 people were out looking down near Deely Road on Monday, Aug. 4.

The search party Monday, Aug. 4, focused its efforts in the area around Deely Road and the Blackberry River in North Canaan.Patrick L. Sullivan