KOOTENAI COUNTY, Idaho — UPDATE: Linda Kent was found just a few miles away from where she went missing and has been returned to her family.
Original Article Below:
A North Idaho woman is still missing after she disappeared at a boat launch near Cataldo.
However, on Tuesday, the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office called off the search and rescue for 62-year-old Linda Kent, who was last seen on Sunday.
"I feel like we're so alone in this. So many people don't even know she's still missing," said Kent's daughter Brook Killebrew.
The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office confirmed to KREM 2 News Thursday the search ended after search and rescue "exhausted all resources."
Lieutenant Zachary Sifford told KREM 2 News marine units, canines, and a helicopter were used without picking up a sign of Kent.
"Due to a lack of any available evidence, including scent, the search was called off," Lt. Sifford said by email.
Kent's daughter Christina Heimbigner says thermal imaging was also used by law enforcement, though only animals were detected.
"They didn't have any real hits," she said. "There were no real scents picked up, no actual hits."
Kent was living with Heimbigner in Shoshone County, after moving there from Corvallis, MT two years ago; her husband is still there, doing what he can to aid in the search effort.
The family is continuing a private search – coming from as far away as Southern Oregon to rally as a family.
"I'm Linda's daddy," Laverne Sheler said. "I'm 92 and I'm still upright and I'm doing the best I know how to find my daughter."
The family told KREM 2 they are convinced Linda isn't anywhere near the park anymore, but maybe miles away without her medication for diabetes and dementia.
Linda's family fears she may have bypassed the bathroom and walked to I-90 where she may have been picked up by a passing car. They believe she may be trying to get home to Montana, which is why they're pushing for a multi-state search or alert.
"I've called Washington, Montana, but Idaho, we've been shut down 100% from Idaho," said Killebrew.
KREM 2 News asked KCSO about a possible nationwide alert, which Killebrew said she's pushed for. She said Idaho had no 'silver alert,' which is like an Amber alert for missing elderly people.
On Thursday, KCSO PIO Lt. Zachary Sifford shared the following statement with KREM 2:
"Linda was entered NCIC and listed as a missing endangered adult. it’s the national database which is broadcasted to all law enforcement nationwide. We are also in the process of reaching out to specific sheriff’s offices in Montana and Oregon with the flyer and other information per the family’s request. Those alerts have been sent out. We are still getting tips and so far nothing has been creditable at this point."
The family is turning to social media and their network of family past state lines to keep the search, and hope, alive.
"We are asking the public for help," Killebrew said. "Like we just need to get her picture out there."
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