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Patient missing from Niagara Rehab nursing home found safe at hospital

Posted at 3:16 AM, Nov 23, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-23 12:01:40-05

This is a picture of 64-year-old David Willis. 

Willis, who was missing from the troubled Niagara Rehabilitation nursing home in Niagara Falls, has been found safe at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center.

Niagara Falls police tell 7 Eyewitness News that Willis was seen on video leaving the Cedar Avenue facility about 12:30 p.m. Tuesday.  He didn't return by 8 p.m.  

Nearly eight hours after walking out on his own, police say the facility reported Willis missing.

Willis was later found at Memorial and was transferred to Buffalo General Medical Center. We spoke with him this morning and will have more about what he told us during our 6 p.m. newscast. He says he is happy to be out of Niagara Rehab and does not want to return. 

Niagara Rehab is under investigation by the State Department of Health.  A 7 Eyewitness News investigation has exposed allegations of neglect.  One family said their loved one died while he was under the facility's care.

As for David Willis, it's unclear how he was able to walk out of the facility without being seen.

7 Eyewitness News called the facility for a comment.  Our call has not been returned.

The State Health Department is now looking into the incident, a spokesman said. 

Do you know any information about this facility you would like us to investigate? Email Charlie Specht at Charlie.Specht@wkbw.com.