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Missing Woman Survives Overnight Frigid Temperatures

by KREX News Room
by Courtney Griffin

Story Created: Nov 23, 2012 at 6:49 PM MDT

Story Updated: Nov 23, 2012 at 11:55 PM MDT

GLADE PARK, Colo.- A woman who went missing Thursday morning after going on a walk, was found by search and rescue crews Friday morning. Officials say she was airlifted to St. Mary's Hospital with minor injuries and hypothermia.

Patricia Osberg, who suffers from Alzheimer's, has gone missing after going on walks before, but her family says it's never been as bad as this last incident.

"She's always had a poor sense of direction, and I think with her Alzheimer's, she really has a challenge finding her way back home," said Leah Lyon, daughter of Patricia Osberg.

Around 50 search and rescue volunteers involving several teams searched near and far for Osberg hoping to find her before the temperature dipped down to the low 20s overnight.

"We wouldn't have been able to do this without our search and rescue volunteers, they are the stars of the show here," said Ben Carnes deputy with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office.

Nearly 24 hours later, one volunteer on an ATV spotted Osberg laying between two trees.

"I was nervous and excited at the same time, just really happy that I found her," said Rafael Quintana, volunteer with the search and rescue team.

Lyon said this was the second miracle her mother has lived through. When Osberg was born she weighed only two-and-a-half pounds.

"She was kept in a shoebox, fed with an eye-dropper, and kept in a wood stove," said Lyon.

Now, ironically enough, she was found two-and-a-half- miles from her home.

"It was a miracle that I saw her," said Quintana.

"Probably the most thankful Thanksgiving I've ever had. It's wonderful that they found her alive. I truly appreciate all the people who volunteer and took the time to help find my mom," said Lyon.

Volunteers say, that's what they're here for.

"It's a free service. Just call the sheriff, and we are always there to help anyone who needs it," said Doug Sieckert, volunteer with the ground team of search and rescue.

Osberg suffered from an injured shoulder and hypothermia, but officials say is doing quite well considering the conditions she was in.

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David said on Saturday, Nov 24 at 8:49 AM

I'm glad she was found, good job search and rescue!

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