79-Year-Old Peninsula Woman With Dementia Still Missing After Five Days

Elaine McKinley, a 79-year-old woman with dementia, has been missing since Thursday after she left her hiking group in Portola Valley. More than 150 volunteers have covered over 3,000 miles in search efforts, yet McKinley has not been found as of Monday morning. The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office has requested residents near Windy Hill Preserve to check their surveillance cameras for any sightings since the search began. McKinley was last seen wearing a red jacket and carrying a backpack, prompting concerns from her partner, Kit Durgin, who described the situation as alarming due to McKinley's condition. Durgin expressed her worries about McKinley being alone and confused in the wilderness, especially since she does not have a cellphone.

The search continues as the sheriff's office remains hopeful, emphasizing the dedication of the trained volunteers involved. Durgin noted that the hike was intended to celebrate her birthday, highlighting the emotional weight of the situation. Authorities reaffirm the importance of community involvement in locating McKinley and encourage anyone with information to contact them.