Missing Person: 79-Year-Old Woman Last Seen In Portola Valley Preserve

Natalie Brooks

3 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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Description of the Missing Woman

Identifying Eleanor Vance is crucial to bringing her home safely. She is described as follows:

• Age: 79
• Height and Weight: 5'4", approximately 130 pounds.
• Hair Color and Style: Graying blonde, shoulder-length, slightly wavy.
• Eye Color: Blue
• Clothing Last Seen Wearing: A purple fleece jacket, blue jeans, and brown hiking boots. She was also wearing a beige baseball cap.
• Distinguishing Features: A small, round mole above her left eyebrow and a noticeable scar on her right knee.
• Any medical conditions or medications: Eleanor suffers from mild dementia and is currently taking medication for high blood pressure. It's vital to note this information for anyone who might encounter her.

Circumstances of Disappearance

Eleanor Vance was last seen hiking on the Ridge Trail within the Portola Valley Preserve. The specific location is near the intersection with the West Ridge Trail.

• Last seen location: Ridge Trail, Portola Valley Preserve, near the West Ridge Trail intersection.
• Time of last sighting: Approximately 2:00 PM on October 26, 2023.
• Witnesses: Currently, there are no confirmed witnesses who saw Eleanor after this time. However, several hikers have been interviewed as part of the investigation.
• Description of weather conditions: The weather was clear and sunny, with mild temperatures.
• Items she may have been carrying: A small brown leather backpack containing water, a granola bar, and a compass.

Search and Rescue Efforts

A comprehensive search and rescue operation is underway, involving multiple agencies:

• Agencies involved: The Portola Valley Police Department, the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, and several volunteer search and rescue teams are actively participating.
• Search methods employed: Ground searches are being conducted by teams of volunteers, while aerial searches are being utilized with drones and a helicopter. Canine units specializing in search and rescue are also assisting.
• Any progress made in the search so far: The search is ongoing, and teams are covering extensive areas of the preserve.
• Public assistance requested: The public’s help is vital in this missing person case in California. Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could prove crucial.

How the Public Can Help

The public is urged to assist in locating Eleanor Vance. Even small details could be vital:

• Contact information: Please contact the Portola Valley Police Department immediately at (650) 851-0300 with any information.
• Instructions on how to report sightings or information: If you believe you have seen Eleanor Vance, please provide a detailed description of where and when you saw her, and any other relevant details.
• Encourage sharing: Please share this article and any associated missing person posters on all social media platforms. Use the hashtags #MissingPerson #PortolaValley #ElderlyMissing #CaliforniaMissing.
• Emphasize the importance of details: Even seemingly insignificant details about the missing senior citizen could be crucial pieces of the puzzle.

Conclusion

The disappearance of Eleanor Vance in the Portola Valley Preserve remains a serious concern. Authorities are actively pursuing all leads and are heavily relying on the public’s assistance. The details provided above offer a comprehensive overview of the ongoing search and highlight the critical need for public cooperation. This elderly missing person case demands immediate attention. If you have any information, no matter how small, that could assist in locating this missing 79-year-old woman in the Portola Valley Preserve, please contact the Portola Valley Police Department at (650) 851-0300 immediately. Your help could be crucial in bringing Eleanor Vance home safely. Please share this article and help spread the word about this urgent missing person case.