The morning of June 7, 2025, began like any other in the quiet Newburg neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky, until the devastating realization struck that 79-year-old Freddie Head was missing. His absence sent ripples of fear through his family, who last saw him in the early hours near their home on the 5500 block of Rustic Way. A beloved father and grandfather, Freddie’s sudden disappearance has left his loved ones clinging to hope, their hearts heavy with worry as they plead for his safe return. The Louisville Metro Police Department swiftly issued a Golden Alert, a critical call to action reserved for vulnerable adults with serious medical or cognitive conditions, signaling the urgency of the situation to the entire community.
Freddie Head, described as a 79-year-old Black male, standing 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing approximately 170 pounds, was last seen wearing a brown and blue striped shirt, khaki pants, and red shoes. His gray hair and brown eyes are distinctive features that authorities hope will aid in his identification. According to police, Freddie suffers from a serious medical condition that requires regular medication, and without it, he may become increasingly disoriented or confused. This vulnerability has heightened concerns, as his family fears he may be unable to navigate his way back home or seek help. The lack of a known direction of travel or detailed clothing description beyond what he was last seen wearing has made the search more challenging, but not without hope.
The Golden Alert, a specialized notification system in Kentucky, is designed to mobilize the public quickly when an adult with cognitive impairments, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia, or other debilitating conditions goes missing. Freddie’s condition places him at significant risk, prompting the Louisville Metro Police Department to act swiftly. Officers from the Missing Persons Unit are combing the Newburg area, knocking on doors, and reviewing footage from local surveillance cameras. They’ve urged residents to check their own doorbell cameras or home security systems for any sign of Freddie, no matter how fleeting it might seem. Every piece of information, police stress, could be the key to bringing him home.
The Louisville community has responded with an outpouring of support, reflecting the city’s tight-knit spirit. Neighbors have organized informal search parties, scouring nearby streets, parks, and wooded areas. Social media has become a vital tool in spreading awareness, with residents sharing the official police flyer across platforms, amplifying the call for vigilance. Freddie’s family, overwhelmed by the community’s compassion, issued a heartfelt statement: “Freddie is the heart of our family. He’s a kind, loving man who’s always been there for us. We’re begging anyone who might have seen him to come forward. We just want him home safe.” Their words have resonated deeply, spurring even more residents to join the effort, checking backyards, alleyways, and local businesses for any trace of the missing grandfather.
Authorities have emphasized the importance of immediate action. Anyone who spots Freddie or has information about his whereabouts is urged to call 911 or contact the Louisville Metro Police Department at 502-574-5673. The police have also encouraged the public to remain vigilant, particularly in neighborhoods surrounding Rustic Way, where Freddie was last seen. As the hours tick by, the urgency grows, but so does the determination of a community united in its mission to find one of its own.
The search for Freddie Head comes at a time when Louisville has seen other missing persons cases, some resolved with relief and others ending in tragedy. Just weeks ago, a 10-year-old girl was found safe after a similar alert, thanks to swift community action. Freddie’s family holds onto hope that a similar outcome awaits them, bolstered by the tireless efforts of both police and neighbors. Local news outlets are providing regular updates, and police have promised to keep the public informed as new developments emerge.
For now, the focus remains on Freddie—a man whose life has touched so many, now lost and in need of help. The Louisville Metro Police Department continues to coordinate efforts, but they stress that the community’s role is critical. As the sun sets on another day, the people of Louisville are asked to keep their eyes open, their phones ready, and their hopes high. Every call, every shared post, and every moment of vigilance brings Freddie one step closer to being reunited with his family, who wait anxiously for the moment they can hold him again.
