A popular chef reported missing in New Orleans over the weekend has been found alive after his family told multiple local media outlets he was dead.
Family of Demietriek Scott, who goes by “Chef Scott,” reported the cook missing Saturday, and later told multiple outlets including WWL his body had been found on the side of a bridge in the city’s Ninth Ward Monday morning.
But on Monday night, New Orleans media reported Scott, 47, had been found alive and well.
“I’ve been around,” Scott told WVUE after he showed up at his family’s home late Monday afternoon. “I essentially just needed some time for myself.”
The New Orleans Police Department could not immediately be reached by USA TODAY Tuesday morning.
Missing persons report was filed before Scott missed festival
A missing person’s report was filed for Scott on June 10, WGNO reported, citing New Orleans police. The person who filed it told officers they hadn’t seen or heard from him in two weeks.
WWL also reported family said he was absent from a major festival over the weekend where he was slated to cook.
On Monday, police responded to a report of an unclassified death in the city’s Desire neighborhood, a police spokesperson confirmed to the Sun Herald.
Scott’s daughter then told local media the remains were Scott’s, not realizing he was still alive. Family members said the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office suggested the body found in Desire was believed to be Scott’s, WVUE reported.
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Who is Demietriek Scott?
According to his website, the New Orleans native owns a food truck. Raised Creole, he owns a catering business and has line of specialty sauces and rubs.
Body not identified
The coroner’s office told the Sun Herald the identity of the person found dead Monday remained under investigation this week.
Natalie Neysa Alund covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund.
