A massive search by local law enforcement and other volunteer agencies concluded Wednesday when Lena Mae Harrell was found in good health about 2:15-2:30 p.m., Sheriff Steve Gladney confirmed.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation issued a Silver Alert for the 83-year-old Oktibbeha County resident after she was last seen walking in the Osborn community about 11 a.m. Tuesday.
Search parties formed and combed through the countryside. A deputy who found tracks near the woman’s home followed them to Harrell, Gladney said.
“We’re really fortunate she’s in good health because of how long she was outside,” he said. “It turned out for the best.”
Harrell was transported to OCH Regional Medical Center out of precaution.
In all, numerous government agencies, volunteer groups and private individuals assisted in the search, including law enforcement agents, firefighters and others from Oktibbeha, Webster and Lowndes counties, Columbus and Mississippi State University.
“A measure of a society is how we treat the very old and very young. We had an excellent response from all of the volunteers who came out and assisted in the search,” said Oktibbeha County Fire Services Coordinator Kirk Rosenhan.
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
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