News Summary
Jose Luis Martinez, a 69-year-old man suffering from dementia and advanced pancreatic cancer, was found dead near the Heavenly Hands Adult Day Center after going missing. His family expressed concern over inadequate safety protocols at the facility and believes his death may be linked to the lack of food, water, and medication during his absence. The facility has since implemented enhanced security measures. A community GoFundMe has been initiated to assist the family with funeral costs.
San Antonio – A 69-year-old man, Jose Luis Martinez, was found dead on Monday, following his disappearance from the Heavenly Hands Adult Day Center on April 7. Police discovered his body near the intersection of 281 and Nakoma Street, approximately eight miles from where he was last seen. The San Antonio Police Department reported that Martinez died of natural causes, and foul play is not suspected.
Martinez had been battling dementia and advanced pancreatic cancer. After being dropped off at the day care center by his daughter, Nelida Acevedo, she learned about his absence two hours later. Concern escalated when a Silver Alert was issued two days after he went missing, prompting community efforts to locate him.
According to Acevedo, she believes that her father’s death could be attributed to a lack of food, water, and medication during the time he was unaccounted for. She expressed distress over the situation, stating that the facility’s ability to oversee its residents is inadequate. To date, Martinez was the only individual reported missing from Heavenly Hands in the past two years, raising concerns about the facility’s monitoring capabilities.
Reports indicate that the director of the Heavenly Hands Adult Day Center explained that while staff cannot prevent a resident from leaving if they choose to do so, they are obligated to notify the police immediately. In response to this incident, the center has implemented enhanced security measures, including louder alarms on doors to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Details surrounding Martinez’s final days remain unclear, with Acevedo still awaiting the medical examiner’s report for a conclusive determination of his cause of death. The owner of the day care center, while declining to comment on camera, confirmed that she was the only staff member present at the time of Martinez’s departure and failed to notice when he left.
In light of the tragic situation, a GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to assist the family with funeral costs, highlighting the community’s support for the grieving family. As investigations continue and more information becomes available, Acevedo calls the circumstances surrounding her father’s disappearance and death “unacceptable.” The case has raised awareness about the need for improved safety protocols at adult care facilities to ensure the well-being of vulnerable residents.
This incident has drawn attention not only to the specific case of Jose Luis Martinez but also to the broader issues concerning the safety and oversight of individuals in adult day care settings. As loved ones seek closure, the community reflects on the importance of vigilance and care for those who rely on such facilities.
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Additional Resources
- Fox San Antonio: Elderly Patient Found Dead
- Wikipedia: Dementia
- KENS5: Silver Alert for Missing San Antonio Man
- Google Search: Silver Alert San Antonio
- News4 San Antonio: Cancer Patient with Dementia Missing
- Google Scholar: Healthcare Adult Day Center Security
- News4 San Antonio: Family Clings to Hope in Search for Missing Patient
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dementia Care
- KENS5: Missing Father Found Dead
- Google News: Missing Person Cases
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar 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 Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
