DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – A decomposing body found Sunday in Daytona Beach has been identified as Harold Cantrell, a Navy veteran who was reported missing earlier this month, according to his family.
Cantrell, 85, suffered from dementia and disappeared July 5. Authorities said Cantrell was last seen leaving the Indigo Palms Health Care facility in Daytona Beach.
Daytona Beach police said the body was found in the backyard of a residence on Fairmount Road.
The Daytona Beach Police Department said it is working with the medical examiner's office determine his cause of death.
People who live on Fairmount Road said they began smelling a stench in the neighborhood for a couple of days.
"That's how long I've been smelling it -- for three days. I thought it was sewage back there," said Calvin David, who found the body in his backyard. "That's the first time I've seen a dead body."
No other details have been released.
Cantrell's family said a memorial service will be held Aug. 4 at 4 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Flagler Beach.
In lieu of flowers, his family is asking that donations be made in Cantrell's name to the Alzheimer’s Association, Central and North Florida Chapter.
Stay with News 6 and ClickOrlando.com for updates on this developing story.