“He Needs Help Now!”: Family Begs for Public’s Aid After 36-Year-Old Goes Missing

A South Florida family is living through every loved one’s nightmare—desperately searching for a son, a brother, and a friend who has vanished without a trace.

Ruddy Martin Torrez, 36, was last seen in Homestead, and according to police, he may be in danger. The most troubling part? Torrez had recently stopped taking critical medication that is essential to his well-being.

Who Is Ruddy Martin Torrez?

Those who know Ruddy describe him as gentle, kind-hearted, and deeply private. But in recent weeks, his family noticed something wasn’t right. He’d become withdrawn. Then, suddenly, he was gone.

Police have officially classified Ruddy as an “endangered missing person”, a designation used when someone’s disappearance may pose a threat to their own life—especially due to medical or mental health concerns.

He was last seen wearing a green shirt, brown pants, and black shoes. He’s about 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighs around 165 pounds, and may be driving a red 2009 Toyota Yaris with North Carolina license plate KDF6008.

Why This Case Is So Critical

Authorities say Ruddy’s disappearance is not just a missing persons case—it’s a mental health emergency. According to official reports, Ruddy stopped taking prescribed medication needed to manage his condition. Without it, his cognitive state may deteriorate rapidly, leaving him disoriented, fearful, or vulnerable to harm.

“He may not realize he needs help,” said a Homestead officer close to the case. “That’s what worries us the most.”

This is why police are urging the public not just to look—but to act.

The Human Side of an At-Risk Disappearance

Behind the headlines, Ruddy’s story echoes that of many Americans living with invisible illnesses. When people go missing with unmanaged mental health conditions, they often aren’t running away—they’re trying to make sense of a world that suddenly feels unrecognizable.

“We’re not just trying to find someone who wandered off. We’re trying to bring home someone who is lost in every sense of the word,” said one family friend.

What to Watch For

Authorities are asking residents across Miami-Dade County and South Florida to be on alert for:

• A red Toyota Yaris with North Carolina plate KDF6008

• A man matching Ruddy’s description walking alone or appearing confused

• Anyone seeking help or appearing vulnerable in public places like gas stations, bus stops, or rest areas

How You Can Help

If you see Ruddy, DO NOT approach him directly if he appears distressed. Instead, call:

• Homestead Police Department: 305‑247‑1535

• Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers (anonymous tip line): 305‑471‑TIPS (8477)

Even the smallest detail—such as a car sighting or a matching description—can help bring him home.

A Plea from the Family

Ruddy’s family has not spoken publicly yet, but through police, they have one message:

“Please, if you see him—help us bring him back. We’re praying every second that someone out there will be the difference between another day without him… and a safe return.”

Case Recap

The Bigger Picture: Missing, Mentally Ill & Overlooked

Ruddy’s disappearance shines a light on a broader, often invisible crisis: vulnerable adults with unmanaged mental illness who slip through society’s safety nets. These are not isolated incidents—they are preventable emergencies, and they deserve swift, compassionate, and collective action.

We must look out for them—not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because one day, it could be our own loved one who goes missing.

Let’s Bring Ruddy Home

In a city as big and busy as Miami, it’s easy to walk past someone in need. But this time, take a second look. That man at the gas station, the one in the red car, the one looking lost at the corner store—could be Ruddy.

Let’s not let another day go by without doing something. Share his photo. Watch the roads. Call it in. It could be the call that saves his life.