This is a developing story.
The search for a senior woman missing from her residence in the Lemon Creek area since Sunday continues, said a Juneau Police Department news release.
Geraldine Nelson, 78, was reported missing just before 10 p.m. on May 16 from her residence on the 5900 block of Churchill Way. Police describe Nelson as Alaska Native, approximately 5 foot 1, roughly 120 pounds and last seen wearing a black winter coat and black pants, said Lt. Krag Campbell in a news release. Nelson has a history of walking long distances, Campbell said in the release, broadening the search area considerably.
Searchers received a tip that Nelson had been seen near Home Depot early Monday morning, said Nelson’s granddaughter, Marisa James, in a phone interview.
“She’s had Alzheimer’s for a while now,” James said. “Last time she was missing, she was missing for six or seven hours.”
After JPD and family members searched for Nelson Sunday night, Alaska State Troopers and Southeast Alaska Dogs Organized for Ground Search were notified Monday morning, Campbell said. While SEADOGS checked nearby trails and treelines, the Coast Guard provided aerial support, searching with a helicopter in the Lemon Creek area. Searchers looked in Lemon Creek, the Mendenhall Valley and places Nelson was known to frequent for food or shopping, James said. The troopers also sent out a Silver Alert for Nelson.
“We’ve been out putting flyers up anywhere we think people will see them,” James said. “We have a bunch of family and friends out looking.”
Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska also organized volunteer groups who are working with the troopers to search additional areas, Campbell said. While there are currently enough people working with the search teams, Campbell said, Juneau residents can assist by keeping an eye out in their own neighborhoods. If the search teams require more volunteers, Campbell said, JPD will send out an update. Juneau Mountain Rescue has also joined the search and rescue effort.
As the search continues, Campbell said, it could become a missing persons case, where JPD would take over the case.
If anyone has information on Nelson’s whereabouts, they’re asked to contact JPD at 907-586-0600.
• Contact reporter Michael S. Lockett at 757-621-1197 or mlockett@juneauempire.com.
