GREECE, N.Y., Jan. 6 (UPI) -- A New York man, missing since New Year's Day, was found in Washington after a photograph of him ran in nationally distributed newspaper, the man's family said.
Family and police were searching for Nicholas A. Simmons, 20, last seen leaving his home in Greece, N.Y., on New Year's Day, when a photograph of him wrapped in a blanket warming himself over a steam grate in Washington was published by USA Today as part of its story about the cold weather affecting most of the country, the Democrat and Chronicle in Rochester, N.Y., reported Monday.
After the family contacted the USA Today writer, the writer contacted wire service photographer, who later guided family friends living in Virginia to the spot outside of the Federal Trade Commission building where the photograph was taken. Simmons eventually was found and picked up by police.
In a statement Sunday, the Greece Police Department said Simmons was taken to George Washington University Hospital as a precaution.
Simmons was reunited with his father and brother at the hospital, the Democrat and Chronicle said.
"We are going to get him home and safe," mother Michelle Simmons said. "I am beyond able to put into words how I am feeling."
The Democrat and Chronicle said it wasn't immediately clear how Simmons got to Washington or if he still had his car when he was found.
