Monday was a blessed day for the family of Aletha Gee Walton after the 69-year-old went missing on May 17 in Prince Edward County, Virginia. Eight days later, the elderly woman was discovered before 11 in the morning, less than a mile from her home sitting on a tree stump in a “densely wooded pine forest” with thick underbrush, singing the hymn “Amazing Grace.
While the search for Walton ensued, the state experienced extreme heat and stormy weather.
“This has been incredibly challenging, but we are thrilled to be able to provide the family the best possible outcome,” Sheriff Tony Epps said in a statement online. “I have spoken with the family, and they relayed their appreciation to everyone involved in the search for their loved one.”
While it’s unclear why Walton was in the woods in the first place, authorities said the search began on May 17 after the family noticed she was missing on May 15. Relatives contacted authorities.
According to Sheriff Epps, the search for Walton also had the support of search and rescue personnel from all over the state. After she was found, the woman was immediately examined by emergency medical professionals and then transported to Centra Southside Community Hospital for further evaluation.
Friends and family of Walton were relieved after the long and extensive search.
“Thank Jesus,” Rita Allen, a friend, told CBS News. “It was a big blessing. It really was.”
“At first, I didn’t know what to think, I was thinking of the worst,” Deidra Knight, Walton’s niece said. “But when they said she was okay, I was so thankful, so thankful.”
The family also stated that she suffered from the early stages of dementia.
“We just broke down and cried, all of us,” Walton’s other sister, Sandra Knight, said. “We didn’t know what to think. We thought somebody had kidnapped her or whatever. We didn’t know what had happened.”
We’re glad she’s safe and sound.
