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

Pedro Alvarez

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 blue fleece jacket, gray sweatpants, and brown hiking boots. Mrs. Vance also wears glasses and uses a walking cane due to recent knee surgery. She suffers from early-stage dementia, which significantly impacts her orientation and ability to find her way. A photograph of Mrs. Vance is available on the Portola Valley Police Department's website and social media pages. This information is critical in the identification of the missing person and for the ongoing efforts to locate the elderly missing person.

Search and Rescue Efforts Underway

A multi-agency search and rescue operation is currently underway, involving the Portola Valley Police Department, the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, Cal Fire, and numerous volunteer search and rescue teams. The search utilizes a variety of methods, including ground searches by teams on foot, aerial searches by helicopter and drone, and canine units trained in locating missing persons. The rugged and densely wooded terrain of the Portola Valley Preserve presents significant challenges to the search effort, with steep hills and dense foliage covering a vast search area, estimated at approximately 5 square miles. The search is being meticulously coordinated to cover all potential areas.

Public Appeal for Information

The Portola Valley Police Department is urgently appealing to the public for any information that may assist in locating Mrs. Vance. Even seemingly insignificant details could be crucial in this search for the missing woman in Portola Valley. If you believe you have seen Mrs. Vance, or have any information about her whereabouts since her disappearance, please contact the Portola Valley Police Department immediately at (650) 851-0300. Any information, no matter how small, should be reported. Your assistance is vital in this critical search. We are asking anyone who may have been hiking in the Portola Valley Preserve in the last 24 hours to carefully consider if they saw anything that might be relevant.

Safety Tips for Hiking in Portola Valley Preserve

This unfortunate event highlights the importance of safety precautions while hiking in the Portola Valley Preserve. Remember to always:

• Plan your hike: Inform someone of your route and expected return time.
• Carry essential supplies: Pack water, snacks, a first-aid kit, a fully charged phone, and a map.
• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear: Dress in layers and wear sturdy hiking boots.
• Stay on marked trails: Avoid venturing off-trail, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to weather conditions and potential hazards.

Conclusion: Ongoing Search – Your Help is Crucial

The search for Eleanor Vance, the missing 79-year-old woman in Portola Valley Preserve, continues. The challenging terrain and the specific circumstances of her disappearance highlight the urgent need for public cooperation. We are asking everyone to carefully review the details provided, and to share this information widely. The Portola Valley Police Department urges anyone with even the smallest piece of information to come forward. Your contribution could be the key to bringing Mrs. Vance home safely. Please share this article and help spread the word about this missing woman in Portola Valley. Every share brings us closer to finding her.