Kentucky State Police searching for missing Barbourville man after reported hospital walk-away

Kentucky State Police are searching for a missing 48-year-old man from Barbourville who reportedly walked away from a hospital in Corbin on Friday evening, according to Trooper Scottie Pennington.

Pennington said the investigation is active and that KSP is asking for the public’s help in locating the man. Authorities have not said what prompted the reported departure or whether the man had any assistance or known destination.

The search follows a hospital walk-away reported in Corbin, where hospital staff raised the concern after the man was no longer present, according to KSP’s account relayed by LEX18. Trooper Pennington’s statement describes ongoing law-enforcement efforts rather than a completed locating of the individual.

KSP has not provided additional identifying details in the reporting summarized by LEX18 beyond the man’s age and home community. The agency is treating the case as a missing-person matter and is coordinating its response through its statewide capabilities.

Officials said the effort depends on timely information from the public. Residents who believe they may have seen the man are encouraged to contact Kentucky State Police so investigators can quickly cross-check any leads and determine whether they are connected to the missing-person report.

As the search continues, families and community members in the Barbourville and Corbin area are left waiting for updates, while law enforcement focuses on locating the individual and ensuring his safety. KSP indicated it remains actively engaged, which can include following up on tips, reviewing relevant information, and continuing to canvass areas where a person could have gone.

Anyone with information is asked to contact KSP directly so troopers can incorporate the information into the active investigation. Investigators can use those tips to narrow search parameters and determine the next steps in the case.