The body of Marco Grillo, an 83-year-old man who suffered from late-stage Alzheimer’s, was tragically found by Polk County deputies following the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. Grillo had wandered away from his flooded home on Thursday night, leading to a desperate search by law enforcement. Hurricane Milton had wreaked havoc in Polk County, causing severe flooding and displacing numerous residents, including Grillo and his wife.
Body Found In Heavily Flooded Area
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Grillo’s body was found by the agency’s aviation unit around 7:30 a.m. on Friday. The air unit, scanning the heavily flooded area, spotted Grillo’s body submerged beneath the floodwaters just behind his home. Due to the extent of the flooding, deputies were directed to the location using an airboat to retrieve his remains. In addition to suffering from Alzheimer’s, Grillo had a heart condition and poor circulation, which likely contributed to his vulnerability in the hazardous conditions caused by the storm. Sheriff Grady Judd expressed his condolences, stating, “Despite Mr. Grillo being found in his backyard, the area was so flooded that our Aviation Unit had to direct deputies on an airboat to him. Our prayers are with his family.”
The Impact of Hurricane Milton
Hurricane Milton, which recently tore through central Florida, left a path of destruction in its wake. Polk County was among the hardest hit, with widespread flooding and extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. The storm’s powerful winds and torrential rainfall led to severe challenges for first responders and emergency services. Many residents were forced to seek shelter in their vehicles or temporary housing, as floodwaters rendered numerous homes uninhabitable.
For the Grillo family, the storm’s devastation extended beyond property damage. Their flooded home and displaced living situation became the backdrop for the heartbreaking loss of Marco Grillo. Alzheimer’s, a condition that impairs memory and cognitive function, made him particularly susceptible to wandering off—a common behavior associated with the disease. This vulnerability, combined with the storm’s chaotic aftermath, led to a tragic and fatal outcome.
Prayers for the Grillo Family
As Polk County begins to recover from the damage caused by Hurricane Milton, the loss of Marco Grillo serves as a sobering reminder of the human toll such natural disasters can take. His death has left the community grieving, especially as it highlights the challenges faced by families caring for vulnerable loved ones in times of crisis. Sheriff Judd’s heartfelt message underscores the tragedy: “Our prayers are with his family.”
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