WATTS FLATTS – The missing 74-year-old woman who suffered with Alzheimer’s disease was found deceased Wednesday just before 5:15 p.m by searchers.
Chautauqua County Sheriff Jim Quattrone confirmed to WNYNewsNow that Diana Chase was found deceased in a wooded area near Hoag Road in the Town of Harmony after a nearly four day search effort.
Deputies said her cause of death appears to be natural and that the Sheriff’s Office extends its condolences to Chase’s family.
Chase was last seen walking on Blockville Watts Flatts Road Sunday afternoon before she went missing.
Her granddaughter, Megan Chase, thanked the hundreds of volunteers and personnel who assisted in the search.
“My heart is heavy right now, but I’m thankful for all the support it truly means the world to the family,” said Chase in a post on Facebook. “Grandma Chase I miss you more than words can say and I wish I could’ve said goodbye. I know you are with him and looking down on us now. This isn’t a goodbye it’s I’ll see you soon.”
Throughout the search a command center was setup at the Harmony Town Highway Department where hundreds of volunteers have stopped by to help.
Law enforcement used helicopters and search dogs to aid the search.
Deputies were assisted by the NYS DEC Forest Rangers, the New York State Police, Lakewood-Busti Police, Corry Police, Pennsylvania State Police, the New York State Department of Corrections, Chautauqua County EMS, fire coordinators, numerous volunteer fire departments and individual volunteers.
The Sheriff’s Office said they are grateful to all the people and agencies who assisted in this search.
Thank you to all who searched. Thank you for your hard work. I sure she was so loved and will be so missed. The terrible disease that robbed her of her presence .
I know she is at peace now. Bless you all.
My condolences to the family for the unfortunate loss of their grandmother.
MY CONDOLENCES TO THE CHASE FAMILY…TERRIBLE ILLNESS…I KNOW SHE WILL BE MISSED BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN…
Our condolences to the Chase family. I hope she is whole again and reunited with the loved ones who went before her. Keith and Dianne Pelletier, Morrisonville NY