The search for a missing elderly Whitefield man took a sad turn Friday when he was found dead in the woods between Howe Road and Benner Lane.

The Lincoln County Sheriffs Office and Maine Warden Service had been searching for Stephen Schlosser, 76, since around 3:30 p.m. Thursday when he was reported missing.

He was last seen around 3 p.m. Monday at his home on Serenity Lane, according to a news release issued Thursday by Lt. Brendan Kane of the Sheriff’s Office.

Foul play is not believed to be a factor in Schlosser’s death, according to an updated release from Kane on Friday afternoon. The cause of death will be determined by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, Kane said.

Prior to his death, Schlosser was being treated for a medical condition that required prescription medication, and he suffered from known cognitive deficiencies, Kane said.

Friday’s search was conducted by members of the Maine Warden Service, with its K9 teams, and the Sheriff’s Office, which used aerial drones.