Missing 91-Year-Old Grandpa Found Dead at Arizona Construction Site

A body discovered at an Arizona construction site has been identified as a missing 91-year-old grandfather who vanished weeks ago, authorities confirmed.

Tempe Police Department said the remains found near North McClintock and Weber drives belong to Apolonio Romero, who was reported missing earlier this month. The discovery came amid a widespread search that gripped the Tempe community.

Romero, who had dementia and Type 2 diabetes, was last seen on Jan. 3 walking on foot near the intersection of Scottsdale and Curry roads. A SAFE alert issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety noted he was wearing a denim jacket at the time. The location where his body was found was approximately 1.2 miles from where he was last seen.

Police confirmed Romero’s identity nearly a week after the body was recovered, according to reports from ABC15 and KTAR News. Officials have not released details about how long the body was at the site, and the investigation remains ongoing.

During the search, K-9 units tracked Romero’s scent to Vista Del Camino Park. Authorities searched the nearby lake using sonar and drones but came up empty, according to AZFamily.

Family members described Romero, affectionately known as Polo, as a gentle and deeply involved presence in their lives.

“He’s a very approachable person — friendly, waving to everyone,” his grandson Thomas Kittle said at the time. “He’s been present for every turn in our lives. He’s a good family man.”

Officials said there were no obvious signs of trauma, and Romero’s medical conditions may have contributed to him becoming lost or disoriented.

“Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time,” a Tempe police spokesperson said.

The case has left many in the community shaken, as residents followed the search hoping for a different outcome.