Searchers find body of missing woman, 98, near nursing home

The Santa Fe New Mexican - 3/17/2024

Mar. 17—The body of Esther Barnes, a 98-year-old woman who wandered away from Las Soleras Senior Living Center on Friday evening, has been found.

A search party including family members found Barnes' body Sunday about a mile from the senior living center, said Katie Cobleigh, Barnes' granddaughter.

Cobleigh said she believes Barnes died of exposure after spending more than 36 hours in the cold and snow.

"This woman did not deserve to die that way. She was an amazing woman," Cobleigh said.

Santa Fe police announced Barnes was missing Saturday afternoon.

The department deployed a drone, canvassed the area and circulated a description of Barnes, Santa Fe police Deputy Chief Matthew Champlin wrote in a message to The New Mexican.

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