Bellingham, Washington (BMN) — A 72-year-old woman with Alzheimer’s, reported missing earlier Sunday after leaving a local memory care facility, has been found safe, authorities announced.
Lori Whitney was located after an extensive search involving community members, law enforcement, and Search and Rescue (SAR) teams. “We are relieved to report that Lori has been found safe,” authorities said in a statement, adding thanks to residents who shared updates and kept an eye out for her.
Details of the Search
Whitney was last seen on foot Sunday morning, initially described as wearing a red jacket under a blue jacket, blue jeans, and blue shoes, carrying a brown purse and bag. Later updates clarified she may have been wearing a black-and-white sweater instead of the blue jacket.
In a critical update, investigators secured a recent photo of Whitney, which had initially been unavailable, to aid in the search. That image helped mobilize the community, with concerned citizens sharing her description widely on social media.
Emergency Response
The response included coordinated efforts from SAR teams and local law enforcement, with a helicopter deployed to assist in locating Whitney. By evening, the search efforts concluded when she was found unharmed.
The quick resolution of the case highlights the value of community awareness and collaboration with first responders.
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