Area law enforcement and search and rescue teams scoured the Coopers Rock area Friday for a local doctor reported missing since Wednesday.
According to a press release from the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department, John Lawson Magruder, 39, of Morgantown, was last seen in the Morgantown area at 9:30 a.m. July 27 and is believed to be in the Cooper’s Rock area.
Search crews from multiple agencies, including canine units, set up a base for the search in a parking area near the entrance to the state park, but were searching the entire region throughout the day despite heavy rain and fog at times.
Family friend Bonnie Eisiminger said they didn’t have a whole lot of information about what Magruder’s plans may have been for the day, but mentioned it was a “rare weekday off” for the doctor and was most likely a spur of the moment trip.
Beyond his car being found at Coopers Rock and no communication from him, Eisiminger said they had no other information.
Magruder is described as a white male, 5’11”, and weighing approximately 260 pounds.
Officials at WVU Medicine confirmed Friday that Magruder is a member of their family at WVU Medicine Children’s and the WVU Department of Pediatrics. The doctor’s specializations are listed as psychiatry and neurology with special qualifications in child neurology.
Chief Operating Officer at WVU Medicine Children’s, Amy Bush, released the following statement to The Dominion Post: “We are praying for John’s safe return and sending our love to his family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly stressful time.”
On social media, posts regarding the doctor’s disappearance have received an outpouring of comments hailing Magruder as “an absolutely wonderful physician” from parents of current and former patients.
Anyone with information on Magruder’s whereabouts is asked to call the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department at 304-291-7260 or MECCA 911 at 304-599-6382.
