09/16/2026
UPDATE: RONALD NOWAK FOUND DECEASED IN KATY
The search for 74-year-old Ronald Nowak ended tragically Wednesday afternoon after the Harris County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that his body was found in a wooded area near the 11100 block of Katy Hockley Road.
The search began Tuesday morning after Nowak and another man were reportedly operating a remote-controlled aircraft near the Northwest Houston R/C Club when it crashed into a wooded area. After the aircraft was located, Ronald returned into the tree line to search for a missing part. He did not return, and authorities were contacted.
HCSO and multiple search teams spent hours searching the area. Two drones conducted continuous infrared scans, ground crews searched through the dense woods, and dive teams checked a nearby creek. Searchers continued through the overnight hours, with Texas EquuSearch calling off operations around 2:00 AM Wednesday before crews returned around 7:00 AM to resume the search.
After hours of renewed searching Wednesday, Ronald was located deceased in the wooded area that afternoon.
Ronald was described as approximately 5’8” and 160 pounds, with white/gray hair, green eyes and glasses. He was last seen wearing dark-colored shorts, a light gray T-shirt, a light cream-colored cap with a dark blue rim and light-colored tennis shoes. Texas EquuSearch had also reported that Ronald had diabetes.
The circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation. A cause and manner of death have not been released.
Our thoughts are with Ronald’s family, friends and loved ones, and with all of the search teams, volunteers, deputies and members of the R/C community who worked through the night and into Wednesday to find him. ❤️