The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department has issued a Silver Alert for 81-year-old Robert Eric Ricklefs, who went missing on the evening of April 7, 2025.
Ricklefs, who suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease, was last seen leaving his new home near 701 South Skinker Boulevard. He is now considered at risk due to his condition and unfamiliarity with the area.
Authorities are requesting the public’s assistance in locating him as soon as possible.
Details of the Incident
A missing adult report was filed around 5:50 p.m. on April 7, after Ricklefs was last seen leaving his residence.
Officials stated that he had recently moved to the new home on April 6, 2025, and was not familiar with the local environment. Ricklefs left the house without his phone, which has made it difficult for authorities to track his location.
He has not returned, and police fear that his Alzheimer’s condition may cause him to become disoriented and lost.
Physical Description and Clothing
Ricklefs is described as a white male, approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall, with gray hair, facial hair, and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing dark pants and black shoes, which are the only known clothing details available at the moment.
| Description | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Robert Eric Ricklefs |
| Age | 81 years old |
| Height | 6’2″ (188 cm) |
| Hair | Gray |
| Eyes | Brown |
| Clothing | Dark pants, black shoes |
| Last Known Location | 701 South Skinker Boulevard, St. Louis |
Importance of the Silver Alert
The Silver Alert system is used to help locate missing seniors or individuals who have conditions like Alzheimer’s Disease, which can make it difficult for them to remember where they are or how to return home.
Due to the Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Ricklefs may be unable to communicate properly or follow familiar routes, which poses a serious risk to his well-being.
How to Help
St. Louis police are urging anyone who may have information about Ricklefs’ whereabouts to immediately contact 911 or their nearest law enforcement agency.
Time is of the essence, as those suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease can quickly become disoriented, increasing the chances of them wandering further from their last known location.
Public assistance is crucial in these cases. If you’ve seen Ricklefs or have information about his whereabouts, please take immediate action.
What to Do If You Spot Ricklefs
- Call 911: If you spot Ricklefs or have any information on his location, call 911 immediately.
- Provide Details: When you call, provide the authorities with as many details as possible about Ricklefs’ appearance, the time you last saw him, and any known directions he may have been headed.
- Alert Neighbors: If you live in the area, spread the word to neighbors to increase the search radius and raise awareness.
The disappearance of Robert Eric Ricklefs is a serious matter, especially given his Alzheimer’s condition and unfamiliarity with the area.
Law enforcement needs the public’s assistance to ensure his safe return. If you see Ricklefs or have any leads, please act swiftly and contact 911 immediately. The sooner he is located, the better the chances of a safe resolution to this urgent situation.
By staying informed and helping spread awareness, we can make a positive difference in bringing Robert Ricklefs back home.