Missing Elderly Man Found Dead in Elevator Nearly a Month Later

The body of an 82-year-old Colorado man was found dead in an elevator shaft nearly a month after he had pressed the emergency alarm for help twice.

The Denver Post reports that Isaak Komisarchik was found dead in a Denver apartment complex elevator car on Aug. 3. Family had reported he was missing July 5 and that he suffered from dementia.

In an investigation from ABC News affiliate, Channel 7, law enforcement discovered Komisarchik had pressed the elevator’s emergency alarm twice on July 6, but no aid was given. Officials are now investigating as to why no one responded to his alarms.

Denver Fire Department spokesman Capt. Greg Pixley told The Denver Post that “something is not right.”

The newspaper goes on to report that the elevator shaft Komisarchik was found in was actually one not in use due to renovations in the parking garage and deemed “inoperable.” However police told The Denver Post that the elevator was in fact, in working condition.

Fire officials reveal they did not receive any emergency calls from that elevator, but MEI Total Elevator Solutions, which operates the unit shares that they did receive a call. Subsequently, when the company notified the apartment’s management, workers claimed they checked the elevators, but failed to investigate whereabouts the call actually came from.

The apartment complex’s management, Greystar Management Services released a statement expressing their condolences, saying, “We are saddened by the tragic loss of life and extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Komisarchik’s family and friends.”

Komisarchik was eventually found after tenants reported a foul odor coming from the elevator shaft. It remains unclear as to how the 82-year-old died.

Family told NBC9 News that he was last walking to the leasing office and picking his mail.

Photo credit: Twitter / @kfor