Search for Karen Solomon enters 5th day as Worcester parks close, husband’s funeral set, First H.E.L.P. issues new statement

As the search for 58-year-old Karen Solomon enters its 5th day, here is an update on the case.

Karen Solomon charged

Kurt Solomon, the husband of Karen, was reportedly off duty when he was found deceased due to a sharp object in their Wildwood Avenue home.

Karen has been charged with Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon Causing Serious Bodily Injury. Police believe she still may be armed and dangerous.

Solomon has dark brown hair, brown eyes, and was last seen near 200 Mill Street and the Coes Pond Area at approximately 5:45 a.m. on 8/18/2026 wearing shorts and a t-shirt.

Authorities have not revealed whether they believe Karen is still alive.

Services for Kurt Solomon have been announced

According to an obituary, “Kurt dedicated much of his life to serving his community as a police officer with the Worcester Police Department. During his distinguished 31-year career, he formed many lasting friendships with fellow officers and members of the community. He was a member of the Police Union and Our Lady of the Angels Church.

He loved to be outdoors whether it was golfing, running, or biking.

His funeral is Wednesday, August 26th with a Mass at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main Street, Worcester (Please go directly to church) followed by burial in Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Avenue, Paxton. Calling hours are Tuesday, August 25th from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. in Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main Street, Worcester.

First H.E.L.P. issues statement

First H.E.L.P. a national non-profit organization established in 2016 to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of first responders lost to mental health, released the following Saturday after their founder, Karen Solomon, went missing.

“Over the past several days, First H.E.L.P. has received an extraordinary outpouring of support, compassion, prayers, and messages from across the public safety community and the general public. On behalf of our Board of Directors and the entire First H.E.L.P. family, we express our profound gratitude and want you to know First H.E.L.P. remains committed to its mission.

“No words can adequately convey the depth of grief surrounding this tragedy. We continue to hold the Solomon family, and all those whose lives have been forever changed, in our thoughts and prayers.

“First H.E.L.P. was built around an important and deeply needed mission: to honor the lives of first responders lost to suicide, to support surviving families, and to systematically reduce the stigma surrounding mental health within the first responder community. This work has impacted countless lives and provided a voice to families who might otherwise have been forgotten.

“The events of these past days do not diminish the importance of this work. Rather, they underscore the profound complexities of mental health crises and their far-reaching impact on individuals, families, organizations, and entire communities.

“First H.E.L.P. has confidence in the justice system and will have no further comment during the ongoing investigation.

“As we navigate the days ahead, we remain dedicated to treating everyone affected by this tragedy with the utmost compassion and dignity. We remain faithful to our commitment to the families and first responders First H.E.L.P. was created to serve.

“Thank you for your steadfast support during this exceptionally challenging time. Your kindness has provided vital strength to our organization.”

Areas closed due to the investigation

The City of Worcester has announced the closure of Coes Pond Parks and Stearns Tavern until further notice due to the ongoing Worcester Police Department investigation in the area.

As a result, Coes Pond Beach, also known as Binienda Beach; Columbus Park, including the Columbus Park Boardwalk; Knights of Columbus Park; Coes Park Playground (Coes Knife); and Stearns Tavern are closed until further notice.

Residents are instructed to avoid the area due to the ongoing investigation.

if you see have any information on this case, contact the Worcester Police Department at:

Dispatch: 508-799-8606

Detective Bureau: 508-799-8651

Or send an anonymous tip by texting TIPWPD and your message to 274637.