> At a Glance
> – Marcus Warren Ian Baker, 60, found dead in Ruffner Mountain Park
> – Family reported him missing two days earlier, critically ill
> – Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office issued endangered alert
> > Why it matters: A family’s missing person alert ends in tragedy, highlighting the vulnerability of critically ill adults.
A Birmingham family reported Marcus Warren Ian Baker missing on January 6, 2026, after he disappeared while critically ill. Two days later, search teams found his remains in Ruffner Mountain Park.
The Search
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office issued an endangered alert on January 7, deploying officers with rescue dogs. Family statements emphasized Baker’s critical illness during disappearance.
- Tuesday, January 6: Last family contact
- Wednesday, January 7: Official missing/endangered alert
- Thursday, January 8: Discovery in local nature preserve
Investigation Status
Jefferson County Coroner scheduled autopsy for January 9 to determine official cause of death. Authorities have not disclosed preliminary findings.
| Key Timeline | Event |
|---|---|
| Tuesday, Jan 6 | Last seen by family |
| Wednesday, Jan 7 | Alert issued |
| Thursday, Jan 8 | Found deceased |
| Friday, Jan 9 | Autopsy scheduled |
Key Takeaways
- Family reported critically ill 60-year-old missing
- Two-day search effort involving local resources
- Discovery concludes missing person case tragically
- Investigation continues pending autopsy results
The case underscores how quickly missing person situations can turn critical when health vulnerabilities are involved.
