Search Continues For Elderly Woman Missing In Uncompahgre National Forest
MESA COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - Authorities would like the public's help locating an 82-year-old woman after her car was found abandoned in a remote area of the Uncompahgre National Forest on July 15.
According to the Mesa County Sheriff's Office, Mary Finnegan of Delta County was last seen at the Rose Bowl Bowling Alley in Montrose.
Two men out searching for Finnegan found Finnegan's car on Saturday approximately four to five miles off Divide Road in the Uncompahgre National Forest near the Mesa County and Montrose County line. It appeared that it got stuck and it's assumed she left the vehicle.
"The car may have been there anywhere from the time she disappeared, July 15, to as recent as the day before it was found, Saturday, July 23," the sheriff's office said in a statement.
A large group has been searching for Finnegan, including a plane and helicopter.
"The search area is very remote with rugged and steep terrain, and very little to no cell service. Even ATVs had a difficult time navigating the road Finnegan's car was found several miles down on," the sheriff's office said. "Recent rain has washed away tire tracks, or potential foot prints making tracking Finnegan's whereabouts that much more challenging."
Finnegan is described as being 5-foot-1 and 100 pounds. She was last seen wearing jeans, a white shirt, blue sweater or sweater vest.
"Finnegan has dementia and might be confused."
Additional Information From The Mesa County Sheriff's Office
The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is asking if anyone camping, hiking, or recreating in the area in the last week saw her or something that might be helpful to searchers to please give us a call. You can call us on or tip line at (970) 244-3526.