A man reported missing from Salt Lake City has been located after hospital staff and media coverage helped reunite him with his family.
Authorities and hospital officials say the unidentified patient brought to the emergency room on Feb. 15 has been positively identified by a family member.
The man had been reported missing on Feb. 14. Family posts asking for help and local media attention drew public interest after CommonSpirit Health staff took in an unidentified patient who had been found near an apartment complex at 150 South 300 East.
The man had no identification when he arrived by ambulance on Feb. 15. CommonSpirit Health said the patient was roughly 30 years old, possibly Hispanic or Middle Eastern, about 5 feet 11 inches and 155 pounds, with brown eyes, short dark brown hair, and a trimmed beard.
Hospital staff noted several tattoos, including a butterfly, a mosaic flower, and a Grateful Dead bear. 150 South 300 East.
CommonSpirit Health issued an update on Feb. 19 saying a family member had come forward after the story ran in local coverage.
They thanked the community for its help and said the hospital would not disclose the patient’s name to protect privacy.
CommonSpirit Health credited media coverage and public tips for helping locate the family.
“Thanks to media coverage this evening, a family member of the patient was found, and the patient has been positively identified.”
Family posts earlier identified the missing man as Nick Pranno, 33, and said he had been missing since Feb. 14. A police report was filed, and family members urged anyone with information to contact the Salt Lake City Police Department.
Salt Lake City Police Department has not released additional details about the case.
A family friend posted publicly about the ordeal, writing, “My heart is heavy sharing this. The son of someone I went to high school with is currently missing. I cannot even begin to imagine the fear and heartbreak his family is living through right now. No parent should ever have to face something like this.”
That post was part of the wider community effort that helped draw attention to the hospital’s request.
Hospital officials say the patient is receiving care. The family has been notified and is with him. Out of respect for privacy, officials declined to release medical details.
Local news outlets that reported the hospital’s request for help published an update when the family was located and identified the patient.
This case highlights how public sharing and responsible media reporting can help reunite missing people with their families.
Authorities thanked the community for its assistance and asked that anyone with relevant information continue to contact the Salt Lake City Police Department.
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