A Christmas Day search for a missing elderly woman ended in tragedy when Bartlesville police found her deceased north of the Oak Park area outside the city.
Deputy Chief Andrew Ward said police located 68-year-old Clara Louis, the subject of a Silver Alert, at approximately 4 p.m. that day.
“At this stage, the investigation will continue in collaboration with the Osage County Sheriff’s Office and Washington County Sheriff’s Office to determine the circumstances surrounding this tragedy,” Ward said in a statement.
Louis was reported missing from her home in the 400 block of Northwest Sooner Road after police responded at approximately 10:30 a.m. She was last seen wearing a blue hoodie, black joggers, and black sliders. Authorities issued the Silver Alert due to her multiple medical conditions, including dementia, which heightened concerns about her safety.
Family members and the community mobilized to assist in the search. At 10:42 a.m., Louis’s daughter, Jeanie Louis, posted a plea on Facebook: “If anyone see this lady her name is Winkie please call me. She has dementia and other health problems.
Jeanie Louis said she went to bed around 3 a.m. and woke up at 8 a.m. , finding her mother missing.
The post was shared more than 200 times, with messages of support pouring in from concerned community members.
Local police and fire departments conducted an extensive search, urging the public to report any sightings or information. Despite their efforts, the search concluded with the discovery of Louis’s body later in the afternoon.
Authorities have not disclosed further details about the cause of death. Deputy Chief Ward stated that updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Bartlesville police investigate Christmas death of elderly woman