A missing Alzheimer's patient found Friday morning along the Chattahoochee River died in a hospital, Channel 2 Action News reported.

Richard Chang Lee, 72, went missing Thursday afternoon from his Duluth home.

A Georgia State Patrol helicopter spotted Lee lying face down, partly in the water, early Friday morning, and National Parks Service rescuers, aided by Gwinnett County police and fire departments, were able to rescue him.

"He was lying flat, but basically in the water about two to three inches," said Shawn Perchalski, supervising park ranger with the National Parks Service. "There’s no telling how long he’d been lying in the water."

Lee was responsive when rescuers reached him in a boat, authorities said. But he may have suffered from hypothermia because the water temperature was around 55 degrees.

The man reportedly died Friday morning from complications related to his age and conditions. His body was cold to the touch when he was found on the riverbank, authorities said.

About the Author

Featured

In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com