The Austin community is called upon once more to be the eyes and ears in the search for 76-year-old Cathie McCown, reported missing by the Austin Police Department (APD). In a news release shared by APD, it was disclosed that Ms. McCown, afflicted with Alzheimer's disease and occasionally non-verbal, was last seen in the wee hours of Wednesday at approximately 3:45 a.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel-Arboretum situated at 8901 Business Park Drive.
In an effort to widen the scope of the search, authorities have activated a Silver Alert—the urgency underscored by Ms. McCown's vulnerability due to her condition, her age making her more so as a missing 76-year-old woman her Alzheimer's diagnosis increasing the concern for her safety as she may easily find herself disoriented or in harm's way. As reported by KXAN, a description for public reference details her as a white female, standing about 5 feet tall and weighing approximately 99 pounds with distinctive dark hair streaked with gray usually worn down, and a scar visible at the top of her head.
The Austin Police Department is urging the community to remain vigilant and to report any sightings immediately. Ms. McCown's attire, when she was last seen, consisted of a red top and a salmon-colored undershirt, paired with Levi’s blue jeans, brown leather shoes devoid of socks, and her right wrist wrapped possibly for support or due to an injury. The specificity of this description is intended to aid citizens in identifying her should they come across someone who matches this.
Those who believe they may have seen Cathie McCown or have any information related to her whereabouts are implored to contact the authorities without delay "If you see Ms. McCown, please call 9-1-1 immediately or the APD Missing Person's Unit at 512-974-5250," as underscored by the APD's call to action; the community's role is crucial in situations such as these where every second counts and a collective effort, can make the difference between a person lost and a person found.
