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Missing Alzheimer's patient pulled from Chattahoochee River bank, dies

DULUTH, Ga. — An Alzheimer's patient who walked away from his home Thursday afternoon was rescued from the Chattahoochee River Friday morning, but later died at the hospital.

The Georgia State Patrol helicopter spotted Richard Chang Lin, who was missing, and directed National Parks Services rescuers to his location.

Channel 2's Kerry Kavanaugh was the only reporter at the scene as Lin, 72, was rescued.

Rescue crews said the man was responsive when they found him, but he had been facedown along the riverbank and was cold to the touch. The water is an estimated 55 degrees, at that temperature. Rescuers said hypothermia could set in within 15 minutes.

Police said the man did not drown. They cited medical complications due to his age and condition.

Gwinnett County police and fire crews also assisted in the rescue and in transporting the man to the hospital.

Lee walked away from his home in the Chattahoochee Reserve subdivision in Duluth Thursday afternoon.