The search for 79-year-old Margaret "Elaine" McKinley, missing since May 1, after hiking in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve has now shifted into a new phase. According to a post on the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office Facebook page, the efforts have entered the so-called "Limited Continuous Search" stage. This adjustment denotes a downscaled yet ongoing dedication to locate the Redwood City senior, who has been diagnosed with dementia.
During the search over the past two weeks, McKinley, last seen wearing a red jacket and black pants on the Lost Trail, has remained elusive despite the considerable resources devoted to the mission. Partner agencies and over 500 specialized search and rescue volunteers collaborated tirelessly, covering an estimated 3,000 miles across multiple counties. These details were reported by Hoodline, highlighting a determined yet unfruitful endeavor that roped in teams from Marin to Yolo counties in a bid to find Elaine.
The San Mateo County Sheriff's office indicated in their update that drones, horses, K-9 units, planes, and even the Mounted Search and Rescue Unit and the San Mateo County Search and Rescue Unit have been assisting in the search. Over the weekend, efforts were redoubled with the aid of off-road motorcycles traversing the diverse terrain of the preserve. Surveillance from over 25 trail cameras, in conjunction with doorbell and security footage from residents, has been reviewed for any sign of the missing hiker to boost the search operations.
