Missing Woman Found Alive in National Forest

Searchers spotted Sheryl Powell's dog, then her
By Bob Cronin,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 15, 2019 4:15 PM CDT
Updated Jul 15, 2019 7:54 PM CDT
Search Broadens for Missing Camper
Sheryl Powell, 60, was reported missing from a California campsite Friday.   (Inyo County Sheriff's Office via AP)

A 60-year-old California woman who vanished, along with the family dog, from a campsite Friday has been found alive, CNN reports. Sheryl Powell's husband, Joe, had reported her missing near Bishop, close to the California-Nevada border, per NBC. He said that he left his wife for about seven minutes to move their vehicle and that when he returned, she was gone. Several police departments joined the expanded search, by air and using thermal imaging, of the Inyo National Forest. She had no food or water with her, her family said. "The only plausible explanation in my opinion is she was abducted," Joe Powell said.

On Monday, searchers found a dog that matches the description of the missing pet, Mikey, about 2½ miles from the campsite, per KTLA. A ground search then found Powell. She was taken to a hospital. The couple's son, Greg, told CNN that she was dehydrated but otherwise well. He said he believes his mother was threatened by someone and ran down a hill to escape, then got lost. The Huntington Beach couple are experienced hikers. An Inyo County sheriff's spokeswoman had said during the search that "investigators believe that Mr. Powell was not involved in Mrs. Powell's disappearance." Greg Powell had said his parents have been happily married for 42 years. "My mom is the strongest and most incredible woman I know," her daughter, Farrah, posted on Facebook. (Another California woman is missing.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X