Concerns for Coromandel man

26 December 2009


Hamilton Police are becoming increasingly concerned for the safety of 78 year old Bruce Wells who went missing from Waikato Hospital earlier today. Mr Wells had been staying at the hospital while receiving treatment for bone cancer, however he suffers from dementia and is confused about his circumstances. Mr Wells is from Coromandel and does not have any family in Hamilton. He has been unaccounted for since approximately mid-day.

Police, Search & Rescue personnel together with hospital staff have been searching the hospital grounds, the nearby Waikato River, Hamilton Lake and surrounding suburbs but have been unable to locate Mr Wells. Police are concerned as nightfall approaches.

Mr Wells is described as less than 5’6” (158cm) tall, of slim build but is in good physical condition. He has grey hair and a short cropped goatee and moustache. Mr Wells was wearing a red checkered shirt, a green shirt underneath and long trousers. He has a small crepe bandage on his left arm and is wearing a hospital wrist band. A photograph of Mr Wells taken approximately a year ago is enclosed which is a good likeness of him although his face is now slightly thinner.

Police are seeking help from the public. If Mr Wells has spoken to members of the public he may have made comments suggesting he believes he is in Wellington.

Police would like anybody who thinks they might have seen Mr Wells to phone Hamilton Police station at (07) 8586200.


Pete van de Wetering
Senior Sergeant
Hamilton Police Station