Man with Alzheimer's, who had been missing since Feb. 7, found dead in Lake Elsinore wash

LAKE ELSINORE - A 63-year-old man suffering from Alzheimer's disease, and who had been reported missing since Feb. 7, was found dead Friday, Feb. 15 in a wash area in Lake Elsinore, the Sheriff's Department said today.

Three residents riding on horseback found the body of Craig Staneart lying in the mud near some reeds in the wash Friday near Baker and Pierce streets, according to a department statement.

Staneart wandered away from his home about 5:20 p.m. on Feb. 7.

His cause of death has yet to be established by the Coroner's Office, according to the statement.

"The severe weather conditions at the time of his initial disappearance are suspected to be a contributing factor,'' the statement said.

Lake Elsinore police detectives asked anyone with information regarding Staneart's disappearance and death to call them at (951) 245-3300.