Missing Madison County man left on walk just before heavy rains, without his medicine

Two factors give police extra cause for concern for the whereabouts of a missing Edwardsville man.

Grady Giger, 48, was last seen at 2 p.m. Thursday walking in the 900 block of Esic Drive. He left the group home where he lived shortly before heavy rains prompted the National Weather Service to issue flood warnings for the second time in as many days. And he left without taking his medicine.

Edwardsville Police Major Mike Lybarger would not comment on what medicines Giger takes, but said his medical history makes finding him soon all the more crucial.

“We would love for him to be accounted for and be in a situation where he can get his medicine,” Lybarger said.

Lybarger said Giger lives in a supervised group home in Edwardsville, but is allowed to come and go as he pleases. He is known to take frequent walks, often to a nearby store.

Police describe Giger as 5-feet, 10-inches tall and weighs 280 pounds, police said. He has brown hair and blue eyes. Police say he was last seen wearing a pink polo shirt, suspenders and jeans with white tennis shoes.

Giger also had been reported missing in September of 2021 and was later found in St. Louis three days later. Lybarger said Giger had taken a bus to a downtown St. Louis homeless shelter.

Anyone who thinks they may have seen Giger or who knows of his whereabouts are asked to contact the Edwardsville Police Department at 618-656-2131.

This story was originally published July 29, 2022 at 4:05 PM.