KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -
Police are investigating the death of a 75-year-old man who had been missing since he walked away from his assisted living facility Sunday morning.
Authorities said George Macias, a resident of Cherry Hills Nursing Home located near Northeast 79th Terrace and North Oak Trafficway, was reported missing at 10 a.m. Sunday.
With the help of a police dog, Macias' body was found at the bottom of a ravine about 9 p.m. near Maple Woods parkway and Barry Road. He was taken to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
His son told KCTV5 that police believe his father fell down the ravine, striking his head. This knocked him unconscious.
Macias didn't have a car, and family members were worried that he might have been at risk due to the extreme heat. Family and friends visited area stores and posted flyers, hoping someone could help locate their loved one.
Macias' family said he suffered from Alzheimer's disease and could have easily become disorientated.
Cherry Hill's operations director would not comment on how Macias was able to get out of the facility, but KCTV5 was able to find some information online about problems the center has had in the past.
Records show inspectors were most recently at the facility July 2, investigating a complaint that was unfounded.
However, in September of last year, records show a complaint was filed, and the facility violated the "infection control program" when an improper bathing technique was used that gave a resident an infection.
Cherry Hills submitted their plan to correct the violation.
Another complaint was reported in May 2011, and the Department of Health and Human Services said the facility didn't have sufficient 24-hour nursing staff with the care they were offering.
Once again, Cherry Hills submitted the proper paper work showing they corrected the problem.
Officials at Cherry Hills declined comment.
Check on a long-term care facility in Missouri click here. In Kansas, click here.
Senior Helpers offers occasional training for family caregivers.
The next workshop is Wednesday at 9000 N. Congress Drive at the Riverstone Retirement Community. The event will be 6-8 p.m. Call 816-455-9300 for more information.
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