Missing Michigan lawyer found dead after extensive search for K9, police say

BARRY COUNTY, Mich. – Michigan State Police ended the search for a prominent Michigan attorney after his body was found Thursday.

Michael Hodge, 76, of Delton, was found during an extensive K9 search, according to state police.

“The MSP would like to extend our sincere condolences to Mr. Hodge’s family, friends and all who knew him,” state police said. “This is truly the most unfortunate outcome for all of us. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the hundreds of volunteers, partners and other law enforcement agencies from near and far who assisted in the search for Mr. Hodge over the past few days.”

Hodge’s daughter, Meghan Hodge Groen, also thanked the public for their help in the search for her father.

“We are truly grateful for the friends, volunteers, media outlets and police officers who worked together to help locate my father,” Groen said in a post on Facebook. “The outpouring of love, concern and support is a testament to the extraordinary way my father connected with people and touched so many lives in his professional capacity, as a friend, and as a loving father and grandfather. We hope people will remember his incredible sense of humor, intelligence, charm, warmth and uncanny ability to connect with people. We miss him very much and our hearts are broken. THANK YOU all for your support, love and prayers.”

The lawyer was last seen on Friday, November 8, and state police asked public for help on November 10 while they searched for him.

While the search was underway, Hodge’s daughter said in a Facebook post that her father had “some degree of dementia” and often went for walks but was never away for long.

State police did not provide details on where Hodge was found.

Hodge was a prominent attorney who worked at Miller Canfield for decades. According to Miller Canfield’s website, he had a background in government, labor and commercial litigation, and handled election law issues. According to his LinkedIn page, Hodge also worked as legal counsel to former Gov. James Blanchard from 1987 to 1990.