Orange County sheriff’s officials confirmed on Tuesday, Dec. 27, that a body found by a search and rescue team this week is that of Shirley “Jean” Airth, a missing 94-year-old woman last seen more than a week ago leaving her home to go for a walk.
Airth’s body was found Monday, Dec. 26, among heavy vegetation along the San Juan Creek in the northwest corner of La Novia Avenue and San Juan Creek Road, sheriff’s Sgt. Scott Steinle said.
An autopsy is expected to be done this week. At this time, her death is not considered suspicious, Steinle said.
At about 5 p.m. Dec. 18, Airth left her home in the 32000 block of Via Buena to go for a walk using a black cane. Her son, Brian Airth, had told reporters last week that his mother had recently starting showing signs of dementia.
Deputies met daily at Cook La Novia Park to plan out searches of the area around her walking route, using drones, search and rescue teams and bloodhounds. Family and community members also aided deputies with the search.
City News Service contributed to this report.
Source: Orange County Register
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