(York-Poquoson Sheriff's Office)
Many people were relieved to hear the news, but few people really anticipated it. After more than 12 hours of searching, a 61-year-old lady with early-onset dementia who had vanished in the bitter winter weather on Monday night was discovered safe.
Shimell Woodard was found just before 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, according to the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office, after he departed from the Grande Oak Senior Housing complex at 6306 Old Mooretown Road. She was dressed in jeans, dark shoes, and a red T-shirt when she was last seen.
The weather had been difficult that evening, with snow falling and temperatures plummeting to 27 degrees. The danger to Woodard’s safety made her absence a major issue, according to the sheriff’s office. Authorities responded by conducting a search using drones and search dogs. According to WAVY, the search focused on the Lightfoot Road neighborhood near the Antiques Mall.
Woodard was discovered on a walking trail about a quarter of a mile from her residence on Tuesday around noon. Given the frigid conditions, she had symptoms of hypothermia, which poses a major risk to her health. After receiving prompt medical attention from emergency personnel, she was taken to Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center for further assessment.
Realizing how crucial it was to keep Woodard safe going ahead, the sheriff’s office said that they were collaborating with Adult Protective Services to look into other potential safeguards.
Woodard had previously been reported missing. She had also vanished under identical circumstances on Sunday, November 30, little over a week before. The public was informed at the time by the sheriff’s office, but she was discovered safe a few hours later.
The two occurrences have brought to light the specific difficulties that dementia presents, especially when a person with the illness gets confused or disoriented in harsh or new environments. In order to make sure that the right actions are taken to stop such incidents in the future, the sheriff’s office is still collaborating with pertinent authorities.
Woodard’s family, the community, and those working on the search have all been relieved by the prompt action taken by local authorities and the successful conclusion of this search. It has never been more crucial to coordinate such efforts when vulnerable people are involved, particularly during severe weather.
