Vehicle of missing Silver Bay man found in Cook County, search underway

Search and rescue efforts are underway in Cook County after authorities discovered the vehicle of a missing Silver Bay man.

Gene Adam Doherty, 40, was last seen nearly two weeks ago on July 1 when he left his mother’s home near Silver Bay, Minn.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office stated that Doherty left the house driving a 2009 dark blue Ford Edge with a Minnesota license plate number SHS838. The sheriff’s office said Doherty may be suffering from a mental health crisis. Doherty left with no clothing and without his dog, which concerned family and friends.

Authorities searching for Gene Adam Doherty | Photo by Lake County Sheriff’s Office

Earlier today, the Ford Edge was discovered in the vicinity of The Grade and Brule Lake Rd, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office said. The area includes numerous lakes, such as Cascade Lake, Little Cascade Lake, Homer Lake, and Brule Lake and is near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Search and rescue efforts are underway in the vicinity, with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Cook County Search and Rescue, the U.S. Forest Service, and St. Louis County Search and Rescue assisting.

Authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating Doherty.

Anyone who has seen or had contact with Doherty is asked to contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at 218-834-8385 or the Cook County Sheriff’s Office at 218-387-3030.

Kalli Hawkins July 11, 2025