Just before midnight last night, Wilma was found by search dogs alive, cold, and otherwise well. Members of the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Response Team, Search Dog Unit, tracked and eventually located Wilma in a dense brush area about ¼ mile from her home around 1130 PM. They approached her in pitch black darkness calling her name. They heard Wilma faintly repeat her name back which helped the search team pinpoint the spot she was resting.
Medical personnel arrived and transported Wilma back to the Command Post. She had suffered no major injuries and did not require hospitalization. Her husband was elated and extremely grateful for the outcome. The Forest Patrol Supervisor, who commanded the operation, expressed his appreciation for the efforts of all volunteer search teams and local residents involved in this successful rescue. Due to concern for Wilma’s well-being, they had intended to work throughout the night until she was found.
Sheriff Mascher would like to thank all those who participated for their dedication and determination in Wilma’s rescue.
ORIGINAL INFORMATION - April 11, 2013
Around noon today, YCSO deputies were called to the 4400 block of Tagalong Trail, Rimrock, regarding a missing woman identified as 76-year-old Wilma Black. Her husband reported that Wilma had gone for a walk the hour prior to his call and not returned.
Wilma suffers from Alzheimer’s. She is Caucasian, 5’ 04” tall, 100 pounds, gray hair, and brown eyes. She is likely wearing a pink house coat and earlier in the morning indicated she was feeling ill. It is also possible she is wearing the same shirt pictured in the attached photo. Hair length is longer than pictured. There are no vehicles involved and no specific information to indicate Wilma received a ride or has left the general area. She is a heavy smoker.
Please call 911 immediately if you find Wilma or have specific information as to her whereabouts. A ground and air search has been underway for several hours. Area residents have been notified electronically through YCSO’s emergency alert system.
Updates provided as they become available.