Oakland woman goes missing while hiking near Fort Bragg

MENDOCINO COUNTY – A search is underway for a 70-year-old Oakland woman who went missing while hiking Tuesday near Fort Bragg, according to authorities.

Elizabeth Schenk called an acquaintance for help around 9:30 a.m. after she got lost during a walk on a logging road near Bruhel Point Road, Mendocino County sheriff’s Capt. Quincy Cromer said in a news release. The acquaintance gave her directions.

Around 11 a.m., the acquaintance became concerned because Schenk had not returned and was not answering her cellphone, Cromer said. The acquaintance recruited neighbors to help look for Schenk and ended up reporting her missing around 4:45 p.m.

The sheriff’s office, along with other law enforcement agencies and fire departments, searched for Schenk on Tuesday and Wednesday, but did not find her, Cromer said.

Schenk is considered at-risk due to her age and numerous pre-existing medical conditions.

Schenk is described as 5 feet 5 inches tall and 150 pounds with graying brown hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a white sweater, white vest and white jeans.

Anyone with information about Schenk’s whereabouts can call the sheriff’s office dispatch center at 707-463-4086.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.