Poppy Bilderbeck
A 52-year-old father who went missing during a family holiday in Michigan has since been found having passed away.
On December 27, Robert Loren Bacon disappeared from where he and his family were staying at the Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth.
He was reported missing to police on December 30 and search efforts were immediately launched.
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Bacon's ex-wife Melissa McLenna told WNEM on December 27 Bacon arrived at the hotel at around 6:40pm, and 'went to the hotel room to change out of his shoes and slides'.
She says he was going to meet one of their daughters - aged 13 and 15 - down by the pool area, however, Bacon had reportedly told one of his children he needed to 'move his car' first 'because he was on the further entrance from where their room was'.
McLenna also told Centre Daily Times Bacon said he was 'going to his car to get something' too.
But the dad never came back, last seen around 7:20pm.
McLenna continued: "From there, they have video showing him going to the fun center after leaving the hotel room, never coming back to his car. They don’t have any video showing he exited the building. However, there are exits without cameras."
Bacon's car remained parked in the lot of the Inn on January 1 and when police searched the vehicle, McLenna says nothing seemed out of place.
Bacon's phone had been turned off since December 27 and it's reported he had his keys, wallet and phone on him.
However, police have since confirmed they've discovered the dad and confirmed his passing.
On January 4, the Frankenmuth Police Department confirmed divers discovered Bacon's body after a five day search aided by Frankenmuth Fire Department Drone/ATV Unit, Saginaw County 911, Michigan State Police Technical Services Unit, Lapeer County Search and Rescue, Michigan State Police K-9 unit assigned to MSP Dive Team Unit, Southeast Michigan Dive Group, the Saginaw County Sheriff’s Office, Mobile Medical Response and the Saginaw County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The father's body was found during a search of the Cass River near Heritage Park, police say, as reported by MLive.
The police statement reads: "The preliminary cause of death appears to be drowning, but a final determination will be made by the Saginaw County Medical Examiner’s Office. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Bacon’s death is ongoing."
McLenna said in a post to Facebook: "I have no words to describe how we feel we are so sad I just want to say thank you to everyone that helped look for Robert thank you to all that prayed for us and that are continuing to pray for us."
UNILAD has contacted Frankenmuth Police Department and the Bavarian Inn for comment.