An elderly Virginia woman who went missing last week was found eight days later less than a mile from her home, sitting on a tree stump singing “Amazing Grace.” On May 17th, Aletha Gee Walton’s family realized she was missing from her Simplicity, Virginia home and alerted police. The family told authorities that 69-year-old Walton suffers from the early stages of dementia.
Search and rescue crews from across the state mounted an extensive search for her in the dense forests around her home. Then on Monday she was sitting on a stump and singing “Amazing Grace” when authorities found her.
Walton was assessed by medical personnel before being taken to a nearby hospital. Her family was beginning to think the worst and was relieved and grateful that she was found. "This has been incredibly challenging, but we are thrilled to be able to provide the family the best possible outcome," Sheriff Tony Epps wrote in a statement. "I have spoken with the family and they relayed their appreciation to everyone involved in the search for their loved one."
Source: CBS News
Photo: Getty Images