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By Jenna Sundel
News Reporter
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A woman was found alive in a wooded area in Indiana on Wednesday, one week after she was reported missing following a fire at her home.
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office announced on Thursday that 46-year-old Britney Gard was found in a wooded area in Hall Woods Nature Preserve, which is east of Bainbridge. The location is about 2.5 miles from her home.
Why It Matters
The search for Gard lasted one week and utilized several local, state and federal investigative assets. Civil Air Patrol worked with the volunteer Putnam County Community Emergency Response Team to search crop fields and wooded areas near Gard’s home, including approximately 75 acres of standing corn row-by-row.
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Conservation officers from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources also conducted searches of the ponds at the residence and in the surrounding area.
Drones were utilized in the search. The FBI’s Cellular Analysis Survey Team and the Indiana State Police looked into leads involving the locations of Gard’s electronic devices.
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What To Know
The last time Gard's family had contact with her was on the evening of September 30.
Gard’s sister, Stephanie Bowen, told local news station WRTV that the family became concerned after she did not show up at her daughter’s volleyball game on October 1.
“She was supposed to be at her daughter's volleyball game. Wasn’t there. And then there’s a fire. Her car is at home, her purse is at home. She’s nowhere to be found, and the house is on fire. It makes no sense," Bowen added.
Dispatchers received a call about a structure fire at Gard’s home at approximately 7:39 p.m. on October 1. The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said smoke was seen coming from the home.
No one was found inside the home and attempts to contact Gard were unsuccessful. She was then entered as a missing endangered person due to her unknown whereabouts.
Fire investigators said they believe the fire was “suspicious in nature.” The sheriff's office said findings will be relayed to criminal investigators as the fire investigation continues.
On Wednesday, more than a week after she was last seen, Gard called 911 from a wooded area in the Hall Woods Nature Preserve, asking for help finding her way out. Sheriff’s deputies, Indiana Conservation Officers, an Indiana State Police Detective, Bainbridge Fire Department personnel “quickly” found Gard. The sheriff’s office said 911 dispatchers assisted by giving Gard “excellent directions.”
Gard was evaluated by Putnam County Emergency Services paramedics at the scene and later transported to an area hospital for further medical evaluation.
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said it is not looking for any individuals of interest in this missing person investigation, and there is no current threat to the public.
What People Are Saying
Putnam County Sheriff Jerrod E. Baugh on Facebook: “It is with great relief that we were able to find Ms. Gard last evening and bring this missing person case to a close. We would like to thank her family and all of the organizations that worked with us around the clock on this missing person case. Please continue to keep Britney, her family and all emergency personnel in your prayers.”
Stephanie Bowen, Britney Gard’s sister, in comments to FOX59 News: “I was just in shock. Excited, hopeful. When we confirmed it, it made us all feel relieved.”
What Happens Next
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said the case remains under investigation “to verify all incident information and bring a closure to this event.”
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