The family of the man who went missing from his Montauk hotel room last month is speaking out for the first time.
Mary Richardson, and her family, issued a statement on Tuesday morning through the East Hampton Town Police Department, which has been investigating the disappearance of her husband George Richardson for the past four weeks.
"As you might imagine, this has been a very difficult time for our family," she said. "George is a loving husband, a caring father, a wonderful son and brother, a fun uncle, a great brother-in-law, special son-in-law, friend, and a valued co-worker. His disappearance has left a hole in the hearts of all those who love him."
Richardson, a 50-year-old executive at Huntington Hospital, was reported missing from Hartman's Briney Breezes Motel on Aug. 28 around 10 a.m., on the morning they were supposed to return home to Dix Hills. His wife Mary said she last saw him before 1 a.m., and that he often went for walks on the beach early in the morning.
One day after Richardson disappeared, police released his picture to the public. Tips poured in and an extensive search of the woods and beaches were conducted. Because he went missing during a quiet time on the roads and the beaches, detectives said help from the public is critical.
Last week, police released a photograph of a red body board with black and white stars, similar to one that is missing from the Richardson family's collection, hoping it would spark new leads in the search.
In the statement from the family, they explained that they have chosen to keep silent over the past month to protect their three sons, who range from 10 to 15.
"Our family is trying to help the Richardson children deal with a pain that no one can imagine and have made a conscious decision to do so out of the public eye. The outreach to our family has been tremendous and we truly appreciate all the prayers and love we have been given."
The family thanked the department and all of the volunteers for "their tireless efforts."
"We know that Detective Sgt. Robert Gurney and his team are doing everything that they can to bring George back to us and for that, we are most grateful," the family said.
Anyone with information concerning his disappearance or about the body board are asked to contact the East Hampton Town Police Department's Detective Division at 631-537-7575 or email ehtpd@ehtpd.org. All calls will remain confidential.
Richardson, whose photographs are attached here, is described as a white man, 5-foot-six-inches tall, 150 pounds, has short gray hair and wears reading glasses. He was last seen wearing running shoes and an orange "Montauk" hat. He has a small scar on his chin.
