The body of Gilbert Lay, a 60-year-old man who had been reported missing, was discovered in a field approximately 100 yards southeast of his residence, according to officials. Smith County Investigators and the Crime Scene Unit are currently on the scene investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
Smith County Pct. 3 Justice of the Peace James Meredith is responding to the scene for the inquest into the matter. Lay's Corgi dog was found alive near his owner.
Lay's family had reported him missing when he was last seen around midnight over 24 hours prior.
Original Post:
Around midnight tonight, Smith County Deputies responded to 13678 CR 3140 near Tyler State Park regarding a missing person. Upon their arrival they spoke with family who reported that Gilbert Lay - 60 years of age had been missing for an extended period of time.
Lay was last seen around midnight over 24 hours earlier. He is described as a white male, 6’0, 240, last seen wearing white shirt, blue jeans, and a baseball style “In & Out” cap. Lay walks with a cane and has a Corgi dog with him. He has been known to walk to the Tyler State Park in the past. He is legally blind, suffers from PTSD and high blood pressure.
Lay is considered to be in grave danger at this time.
Currently, several law enforcement agencies and fire departments are in the area searching for Gilbert Lay. If you have any information concerning the whereabouts of Lay, you are urged to immediately call 911 or the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at (903) 566-6600.
