DJI Matrice Drone Used in Campbellsville Missing Person Search

A missing man in Campbellsville, Kentucky, was located safely Thursday night after a coordinated multi agency search that included UAV drone operations, ground teams, and emergency alerts.

Campbellsville Fire Rescue confirmed the subject was found less than a quarter mile from his last known location and transported for medical evaluation with non life threatening injuries, as WVLC reported.

Early Dementia Triggers Golden Alert Response

Fire Rescue units were dispatched to a residence on Meador Street following a report of a possible missing person. Upon arrival, command staff interviewed the reporting party and began an immediate search based on cell phone ping data.

The ping information showed an accuracy radius of roughly 4,000 meters, covering a wide area across the northern portion of the city, which significantly complicated early search efforts.

During the investigation, responders learned the subject had been showing signs of early dementia in recent weeks. Based on this information, Taylor County Emergency Management issued a Golden Alert, triggering formal lost person search protocols and expanding the response.

DJI Drones Likely Used for Thermal Search Operations

Search operations scaled quickly and involved a mix of traditional and modern tools. Fire rescue and law enforcement teams deployed ground searchers, vehicle based patrols, UTV units, social media outreach, and UAV drone assets to cover terrain efficiently.

While the department did not officially identify the aircraft, public safety agencies conducting nighttime search and rescue missions typically rely on DJI Matrice series platforms. Based on the scope and nature of the operation, the drone used was likely a DJI Matrice 4T or a larger Matrice 400 class aircraft equipped with a thermal payload such as the Zenmuse L2.

Thermal sensors allow responders to detect human heat signatures through darkness, light vegetation, and cluttered residential environments, dramatically improving search speed compared to visual only methods.

Drone operations helped scan large residential areas faster than foot teams alone, narrowing search zones without exposing personnel to unnecessary risk during nighttime conditions.

The subject was eventually located after entering a nearby residence approximately 0.2 miles from his last known position. He was found asleep on a couch and showed signs of altered mental status.

On scene evaluation was conducted before the individual was transported to Taylor Regional Hospital for further assessment.

A total of 20 firefighters responded, supported by Engine 4, Squad 4, Squad 1, Squad 2, Ranger 20, a mobile command post, and command staff.

DroneXL’s Take

This incident underscores how DJI’s Matrice series has become the quiet backbone of public safety drone programs across the United States. Thermal equipped UAVs are especially critical in dementia related searches, where subjects often travel short distances but become disoriented and shelter in unexpected locations.

Drones do not replace boots on the ground, but they shrink search timelines, preserve responder safety, and increasingly make the difference between a rescue and a recovery.

Photo credit: Campbellsville Fire-Rescue

Last update on 2026-01-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API