Extensive Search Underway For Missing Woman, 79, In Portola Valley

Henrik Larsen

3 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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Details of the Missing Woman

Description and Identifying Features

Eleanor Vance is described as a Caucasian woman, 5'4" tall, weighing approximately 120 pounds. She has shoulder-length gray hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a blue sweater, gray pants, and brown walking shoes. She has a small, noticeable birthmark on her left cheek. A recent photograph is available on the Portola Valley Police Department website and is being widely circulated on social media.

Medical Conditions

Eleanor suffers from early-stage dementia and occasionally experiences periods of disorientation. She requires medication for this condition, which she was not carrying when last seen. This is a crucial piece of information for searchers, as her disorientation may impact her ability to find her way back home.

• Personal Belongings: She was carrying a small black purse containing her wallet, a few dollars in cash, and her house keys. She did not have her cell phone with her.
• Vehicle: Eleanor does not own a vehicle.

The Search and Rescue Operation

Agencies Involved

Multiple agencies are collaborating on the extensive search for Eleanor Vance. The Portola Valley Police Department is leading the investigation, working closely with the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, the San Mateo County Search and Rescue team, and several volunteer organizations from the surrounding communities. A specialized canine unit is also assisting in the search effort.

Search Methods

The search operation is employing a multi-pronged approach. Ground searches are being conducted by teams of trained personnel covering areas surrounding her last known location. Canine units are tracking her scent, while aerial searches using drones are providing a broader overview of the terrain. Authorities are also utilizing advanced search technologies to help analyze potential locations she may have wandered to.

• Search Areas: The search is focused on areas within a 5-mile radius of her last known location, including trails, wooded areas, and residential neighborhoods.
• Leads: Currently, no concrete leads have been established, although several tips have been received and are being actively investigated.
• Challenges: The challenging terrain, including steep hills and dense vegetation, is adding complexity to the search operation. The recent rain has also made some areas inaccessible.

Community Involvement and How to Help

Information for the Public

The community's involvement is crucial in this search and rescue operation. Every resident's vigilance can significantly increase the chances of finding Eleanor safely. Even seemingly insignificant details could provide valuable clues.

Contact Information

Anyone with information regarding Eleanor Vance's whereabouts is urged to contact the Portola Valley Police Department immediately at (650) 851-0300. Tips can be reported anonymously. Information can also be submitted through the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office website.

• How to Help:
  • Check your properties, including sheds, garages, and outbuildings.
  • Share the missing person posters and social media posts widely.
  • Distribute flyers in your neighborhood and surrounding areas.
  • Report any sighting, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to the authorities immediately.

Conclusion

The search for 79-year-old Eleanor Vance, missing from Portola Valley, is a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies and the dedicated community. Her early-stage dementia and the challenging terrain present significant hurdles, highlighting the critical need for widespread public assistance. We urge everyone to remain vigilant and to contact authorities immediately if they have any information that could lead to her safe return. Your help is crucial in finding this missing Portola Valley resident. Help bring Eleanor Vance home. Share this information widely and let's work together to bring her back to her loved ones.