Man found dead near propane storage yard had Alzheimer's, was reported missing

A 73-year-old man who was found dead outside a propane storage yard in Lancaster on Monday had Alzheimer's disease and had gone missing the previous day, authorities said Wednesday.

The coroner's office identified the man as Carlos Rodas of Lancaster, who had last been seen about 8 a.m. Sunday at his home on 15th Street West and was the subject of sheriff's department missing persons case.

His body was found around 11 a.m. in the 200 block of East Avenue H, according to the sheriff's department.

Overnight temperatures near freezing had been reported in that area.

Homicide detectives were dispatched to investigate after the body was found, but the man's death was initially attributed to natural causes, a deputy said.