Watch: Drone spots missing woman alive after days in Michigan woods using tree as shelter during severe storms
The Mason County Sheriff's Office reported a wave of relief Sunday evening as 74-year-old Nancy Bloomquist of Norton Shores, who had been missing since last Thursday, was found alive, concluding a multiday search and rescue effort.
FILE – Strong storm shears off part of Michigan elementary school roof
The aftermath of severe storms continues to impact daily life in the Great Lakes region, with extensive repairs underway at an elementary school in Fruitport, Michigan. Jason Kennedy, superintendent of Fruitport Community Schools, joins FOX Weather for an update on the damage.
GRANT TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A missing Michigan woman was found alive in a heavily wooded area, enduring harsh weather conditions while sheltering next to a fallen tree, deputies said.
The Mason County Sheriff's Office reported a wave of relief Sunday evening as 74-year-old Nancy Bloomquist of Norton Shores, who had been missing since last Thursday, was found alive, concluding a multiday search and rescue effort.
SEE IT: KENTUCKY MEN GO VIRAL AFTER BURYING MINIVAN TO USE AS STORM SHELTER DURING SEVERE WEATHER
The Norton Shores Police Department sought the public’s help in locating 74-year-old Nancy Bloomquist, a resident of Norton Shores who had been reported missing.
(Norton Shores Police Department )
Deputies were alerted to the situation about 2 p.m. Sunday after a burned vehicle matching Bloomquist's description was found in Grant Township. According to Sheriff Kim Cole, deputies immediately launched a search of the area surrounding the vehicle.
A crucial breakthrough came about five hours later after a collaboration between multiple agencies when a drone unit located the missing woman about 150 yards from her burned vehicle. She was found lying next to a downed tree and was conscious and speaking with deputies at the scene, Cole said.
FREEZING TEMPERATURES TO HAMPER RECOVERY IN AREAS DEVASTATED BY DEADLY FLOODING, TORNADOES
A drone unit the Mason County Sheriff's Office located Bloomquist about 150 yards from her burned vehicle.
(Mason County Sheriff's Office)
Investigators pieced together the events leading to the woman's ordeal through interviews, surveillance footage and a trail camera.
It was determined that the victim had left the Little River Casino on Thursday, presumably heading back to Norton Shores, Cole said. However, the woman then became lost and ended up in the long driveway of a home. While attempting to turn her vehicle around, it became disabled and subsequently caught fire.
The woman left the vehicle without her cell phone. When she tried to return to retrieve it, she became disoriented and lost in the dense woods. Cole said the woman sought shelter next to a downed tree during a heavy rainstorm on Thursday night.
"She became cold to the point that she could not get back to her feet Friday," Cole added. "She remained lying on the ground until found Sunday evening."
MISSISSIPPI WOMAN SURVIVES TORNADO BY HUNKERING IN CLOSET
Bloomquist remained lying on the ground for days until found by authorities.
(Mason County Sheriff's Office)
In 2015, the Mason County Sheriff's Office received its first drone through a generous donation from a citizen. Today, the sheriff’s office has three drones and a team of deputies with specialized training in their operation.
Recognizing the area's limited cell service, Cole recently acquired Starlink satellite internet, enabling his drone team to maintain crucial connectivity for their operations.