Search Continues For Missing 79-Year-Old Woman In Portola Valley Preserve

Kenji Nakamura

3 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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Details of the Missing Woman

The missing woman is identified as Eleanor Vance, 79 years old. She is described as being 5'4" tall, weighing approximately 120 pounds, with shoulder-length gray hair and blue eyes. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a light blue cardigan sweater, beige slacks, and brown walking shoes. Eleanor also wears glasses and has a noticeable scar above her left eyebrow.

• Key Identifying Details:
  • Age: 79
  • Height: 5'4"
  • Weight: Approximately 120 pounds
  • Hair: Shoulder-length gray
  • Eyes: Blue
  • Clothing: Light blue cardigan, beige slacks, brown shoes
  • Distinguishing Feature: Scar above left eyebrow
  • Glasses: Yes

Eleanor suffers from early-stage dementia, which is a significant concern for search and rescue teams. This condition could impair her ability to find her way back or to communicate effectively if encountered. A recent photograph of Eleanor is included below (insert photograph here if available and legally permissible).

Timeline of Events

Eleanor Vance was last seen leaving her home in Portola Valley at approximately 2:00 PM on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. She indicated she was going for a walk in the Portola Valley Preserve, a popular area for hiking and nature walks. She did not return home as expected.

• Key Timeline Events:
  • 2:00 PM, Tuesday, October 24, 2023: Last seen leaving her home.
  • 5:00 PM, Tuesday, October 24, 2023: Family reported her missing to the Portola Valley Police Department.
  • Wednesday, October 25, 2023: Extensive search and rescue operations commenced.
  • Thursday, October 26, 2023: Search expanded to include additional areas within the preserve.

No witnesses have come forward to confirm her movements after leaving her home. Authorities are currently reviewing security camera footage from nearby areas. The time elapsed since her disappearance is increasing the urgency of the search.

Search and Rescue Efforts

The search for Eleanor Vance involves a multi-agency effort, including the Portola Valley Police Department, the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, and several volunteer search and rescue teams. A wide area within the Portola Valley Preserve is being covered.

• Search Methods:
  • Ground Search Teams
  • Aerial Search (helicopters and drones)
  • K-9 Units
  • Specialized Search and Rescue Teams

The challenging terrain and dense vegetation within the preserve are presenting significant obstacles for rescuers. Additionally, the weather conditions, including recent rainfall, have made the search more difficult.

Community Involvement and Public Appeal

The community has rallied to assist in the search for Eleanor, with numerous volunteers joining the official search efforts. The Portola Valley Police Department has issued a public appeal for any information that could lead to Eleanor's safe return.

• Ways the Public Can Help:
  • Contact the Portola Valley Police Department at (insert phone number here) with any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem.
  • Share this article and the missing person poster (if available) on social media using #FindEleanorVance #MissingPersonPortolaValley #PortolaValleyMissing

Anyone who may have seen Eleanor Vance in or around the Portola Valley Preserve since Tuesday afternoon is urged to contact the authorities immediately.

Conclusion

The search for 79-year-old Eleanor Vance in the Portola Valley Preserve continues. Authorities and the community are working tirelessly to locate her, but time is critical. Her disappearance is particularly concerning due to her age and medical condition. We urge anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward and contact the Portola Valley Police Department immediately. Please share this article and help bring Eleanor home. Let's work together to find this missing person in Portola Valley. #FindEleanorVance #MissingPersonPortolaValley #PortolaValleyMissing