Apr 7, 2006 7:03 pm US/Eastern
Missing NH Congressional Candidate Found In Woods
DOVER, NH (CBS4) ―
Congressional candidate Gary Dodds is being treated for hypothermia in a New Hampshire hospital.
The 41-year-old Dodds was found around 10 p.m. Thursday night by a search dog team in a wooded area in Dover. He had been missing for more than 24 hours following a car accident
Fish and Game Lt. John Wimsatt said Dodds had crossed the Bellamy River and was slipping in and out of consciousness when found.
Dodds' wife, Cynthia, said her husband bumped his head in the crash, was confused and got out of the car because he thought it was on fire.
In a statement released on his campaign web site, Dodds said, "I would like to thank the New Hampshire State Police, Fish & Game, the Marine Patrol, the Dover Police, the staff of Accent Magazine, the media, and all of the other volunteers that helped reunite me with my family. I am forever in your debt."
The searcher who found Dodds said he was about 100 yards from some houses and had covered himself with leaves to stay warm. He called out to her as she approached.
Dodds' car crashed on the Spaulding Turnpike around 8:15 p.m. Wednesday, but emergency workers who arrived a few minutes later found the 1997 Lincoln Continental empty.
He later told his wife, he swerved to avoid something in the road, possibly a deer.
Authorities began searching by air and on foot after he failed to arrive home or contact his family.
When asked if he had been drinking, Cynthia Dodds said no, describing her husband as "the straightest, cleanest guy you'll ever meet," who doesn't drink or smoke or have any medical conditions.
Dodds, of Rye, is the chief financial officer for Accent Magazine and a volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technician. He's campaigning to unseat U.S. Rep. Jeb Bradley.
Full Statement from Gary Dodds on his web site:Dear Friends,
When I left for work on Wednesday, my two young daughters had never gotten themselves ready for school without help. When I returned home, they had revealed the maturity and strength to do that and much more. While I wandered the woods, frostbitten and wet, my daughters tapped the unseen strength and character to continue forward, to go to school, and care for themselves. Cindy and I are so proud of them.
I would like to thank the New Hampshire State Police, Fish & Game, the Marine Patrol, the Dover Police, the staff of Accent Magazine, the media, and all of the other volunteers that helped reunite me with my family. I am forever in your debt.
Today marks the end of an ordeal that has brought out the best in the face of the worst circumstances and tomorrow brings a new beginning. As I recover from this accident, I am mindful of the job that still needs to be done. The first Congressional District needs a leader. I will continue to listen to the voters of New Hampshire and hope to carry out their will in the United States Congress.
Sincerely,
Gary Dodds
(© 2006 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
