This article has been updated to include new information.
Volunteers continued search and rescue efforts for Geraldine Nelson, missing since Sunday, focusing on the region near her home.
Alaska State Troopers briefed family and volunteers in Lemon Creek, breaking down search areas. Volunteers were focusing on the area around Nelson’s residence in Lemon Creek, aiming to go door to door and checking in places where the 78-year-old woman might have gone to ground such as in a boat or empty car, working on the premise that many seniors who stray from home are found closer to the residence than expected.
“We are checking every lead that comes through,” said Anne Stepetin, who’s helping to coordinate the volunteers. “We’re almost at the point where people want to see her to be helpful.”
Alaska State Troopers, the Juneau Police Department, Juneau Mountain Rescue, Southeast Alaska Dogs Organized for Ground Search, the Coast Guard, and volunteers are all assisting in the search for Geraldine Nelson, missing since May 16, 2021. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
Southeast Alaska Dogs Organized for Ground Search would check in the treeline and woods from Lemon Creek Correctional Center to Dzantik’i Heeni Middle School, Juneau Mountain Rescue was floating Lemon Creek and checking beyond and the Coast Guard was supporting the search efforts from the air with a helicopter, said Trooper Josh Bentz during the briefing.
Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska’s Tribal Emergency Operation Center was supporting volunteers with refreshments and high-visibility clothing for the search.
“We have people out searching, checking a few tips,” Stepetin said.
People had called in a number of sightings on Wednesday, Stepetin said, though they had so far all seemed to be false positives.
Nelson is Alaska Native, approximately 5 foot 1, roughly 120 pounds and last seen wearing a black winter coat and black pants, said JPD Lt. Krag Campbell in a news release.
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.
