Family members share more details about missing Brazos County man

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – A statewide search for a missing Brazos County man will enter its fourth day on Wednesday and now alerts are being shared across state lines.

On Tuesday, New Mexico State Police issued a missing person alert for Troy Luce, who went missing Saturday.

According to a post on X, authorities say it’s possible the 73-year-old could now be in New Mexico after his vehicle was spotted Monday morning in Midland.

His life could be in danger, according to family and deputies who say Luce has early signs of dementia. He was last seen leaving his house Saturday evening on OSR Highway north of Bryan in a 2017 blue Nissan Frontier pickup with TX plates MDS8909.

His credit card was pinged at a gas station in Cross Plains, Texas on Sunday, which gave his family hope knowing that he was at least still alive.

“It made us feel so much better at that point because we at least knew he was alive,” said Judd Luce, Troy’s Son

But now that over 24 hours have come and gone that was the last confirmed time anyone has seen or heard from Luce.

“It’s frustrating and heartbreaking knowing he was in that area and we had family so close that just couldn’t catch up,” said Brittnee Johnson, Granddaughter of Troy

Luce has a heart condition that requires him to have medicine which according to the family he is running low on.

Another concern is his dyslexia which makes it hard to understand road signs to let him know where he is, and he recently started to develop cognitive impairment a condition that affects a person’s ability to think, learn, remember, and make decisions.

The family says if you come across Luce, things that may get his attention are calling him by his name Troy or Papa, and he may also take an interest in you if you suggest going fishing.

Silver Alert issued by Texas Department of Public Safety (https://t.co/5fOgjTa4ep) for Troy Luce out of Brazos County. He is believed to possibly be in New Mexico. https://t.co/wCEm9OkWO2

— NMSP (@NMStatePolice) June 11, 2024

Luce has brown hair and brown eyes, stands at 5′8 ″, weighs 230 lbs, and has a limp in his walk on his right side. Luce was last seen wearing a black t-shirt with a flag design and dark jogging pants.

“Number one be calm, be reassuring to the person, let them know that you know that you’re worried about their safety. Don’t be confrontational or you know I would even say make sudden movements or you know say were calling the police. Things like that can alarm that person who’s living with cognitive decline or dementia” said Julie Gray, Director of Development, Alzheimer’s Association, West Texas Chapter