His disappearance was reported to the authorities on December 30, prompting an immediate search effort.
Bacon’s former spouse, Melissa McLenna, informed WNEM that on December 27, Bacon reached the hotel at approximately 6:40 pm and intended to change his footwear in their hotel room.
She mentioned he had plans to join one of their daughters, aged 13 and 15, by the pool area. However, he had mentioned to one of his children that he needed to “move his car” due to its location being far from their room.
McLenna also shared with the Centre Daily Times that Bacon indicated he was “going to his car to get something.”
However, Bacon did not return, with the last sighting around 7:20 pm.
According to McLenna, “From there, they have video showing him going to the fun center after leaving the hotel room, never coming back to his car. They don’t have any video showing he exited the building. However, there are exits without cameras.”
Bacon’s car was found to still be in the Inn’s parking lot on January 1. Upon inspection, police found nothing amiss in the vehicle.
His phone had been deactivated since December 27, and reports indicate he had his keys, wallet, and phone with him.
Authorities have now confirmed they have located the father and confirmed his passing.
Divers discovered Bacon’s body on January 4, following a five-day search operation involving multiple agencies, including the Frankenmuth Police Department, Frankenmuth Fire Department Drone/ATV Unit, Saginaw County 911, Michigan State Police Technical Services Unit, Lapeer County Search and Rescue, Michigan State Police K-9 unit, Southeast Michigan Dive Group, the Saginaw County Sheriff’s Office, Mobile Medical Response, and the Saginaw County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Police reported that his body was found during a search of the Cass River near Heritage Park, as covered by MLive.
The police statement says, “The preliminary cause of death appears to be drowning, but a final determination will be made by the Saginaw County Medical Examiner’s Office. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Bacon’s death is ongoing.”
McLenna expressed her grief on Facebook, writing: “I have no words to describe how we feel we are so sad I just want to say thank you to everyone that helped look for Robert thank you to all that prayed for us and that are continuing to pray for us.”