Mendocino County woman still missing

While dozens of trained search-and-rescue volunteers covered more hillside terrain in the Piercy area north of Leggett in Mendocino County, law enforcement in the East Bay also was notified Tuesday that 76-year-old Margit Pritchard could appear in that area.

Pritchard was last seen about 1 p.m. Friday at her rural home. About 4:30 p.m. her husband began a search and called the Sheriff’s Office three hours later to report her missing. Pritchard was wearing blue capri-style pants and a purple T-shirt. She wasn’t carrying a purse or phone and was described as an avid walker.

She may be suffering from dementia and could be confused, officials said. Three months ago she disappeared from home and walked 7 miles before being found.

Deputies used a bloodhound during Friday night’s search. Dozens of searchers from several other counties searched for her Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. They haven’t been able to search at night because of the terrain, which includes the Eel River’s south fork.

Officials issued a missing-person alert throughout the northern half of the state, along with the woman’s photo and description. She previously lived on Bethel Island in the East Bay, and authorities there have been alerted.

Officials asked anyone who sees her to call the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office at 707-463-4086.

-Randi Rossmann