Larry Schnackenberg, found alive on Shawnee trail after reported missing some time ago

A Lenexa man missing for three weeks was found alive this afternoon wandering along a trail in Shawnee.

Larry Schnackenberg, 58, was taken to a hospital for observation. He may need to be treated for exposure to the elements, police said.

A Johnson County park safety aide, who knew Schnackenberg and recognized him, found the missing man about 2:20 p.m. near a trailhead in the 6100 block of Barker Road.

Friends rejoiced at the news.

“I know the family and a lot of people kept praying for a miracle, and this is a miracle. They get him back,” said family friend Jane Miramontez.

Lenexa police are not sure where Schnackenberg has been since he disappeared July 8, more than a week before his daughter’s wedding. Hundreds of volunteers helped search for him after his Ford Explorer was found at Shawnee Mission Park.

Now, police are trying to determine where he’s been and why he didn’t contact authorities or family members.

“We are still learning things,” said Dan Friesen, Lenexa police spokesman.

The park safety aide, Rick Reynolds, said he’d known Schnackenberg since their sons were involved in youth sports together years ago.

Reynolds was on routine patrol — biking the trail looking for anyone who might need water or directions — when he spotted Schnackenberg walking toward him. He recognized Schnackenberg immediately.

He said Schnackenberg appeared to have lost a lot of weight and had many insect bites, but otherwise seemed fine.

Reynolds quickly contacted Johnson County Park Police, who arrived with firefighters and transported Schnackenberg to a hospital.

Reynolds said Schnackenberg did not elaborate on his situation.

“When I found him, I talked about how happy his family was going to be,” Reynolds said. “What he was doing and what had transpired for the 20 days he was out here, I don’t know.”

In a news release, Friesen said the family and Lenexa police would like to thank the community.

“At this time, the family is attending to Larry’s medical needs,” he wrote. “During this time of reunion please respect their privacy.”