A body, believed to be that of missing British woman Geraldine Ann, was discovered beneath vegetation near the A-92 motorway in Spain. The 73-year-old vanished on September 17, 2023, prompting extensive search efforts involving aerial and ground teams.
Geraldine Ann, who resided in Chirivel, near Granada, reportedly left her home late at night wearing pyjamas and flip-flops. She had gone out to feed cats following a disagreement with her husband. When she failed to return, her husband reported her missing the next day.
Search Efforts Intensify
Authorities utilized sniffer dogs and drones in their search for Ann, enlisting the help of volunteers, including fellow British expatriates. A specialist mountain rescue unit from the Civil Guard also participated in the operation. Jose Torregrosa Mota, the mayor of Chirivel, expressed gratitude to the Civil Guard and local police forces for their dedication to finding Ann.
“She suffered from senile dementia and the night she went missing she’d apparently had a small argument with her husband and left home,” said Mayor Jose Torregrosa Mota.
Although the location of the body was not far from where Ann was last seen, police are currently awaiting DNA test results to confirm the identity. A statement from Chirivel Town Hall expressed sorrow over the discovery, stating: “We profoundly regret to have to inform you that a body has been found by the A-92 motorway thought to be that of our neighbour Geraldine, pending official confirmation from the authorities.”
Community Response and Ongoing Investigations
The search for Ann garnered significant attention on social media, leading to involvement from a missing persons organization called SOS Desaparecidos. Local authorities had issued appeals for information, particularly to farmers and outdoor enthusiasts, urging them to remain vigilant in case Ann was sighted.
Despite the discovery of the body, Spanish police are not treating her disappearance as suspicious. This incident follows the recent finding of another missing British man, Marc Tulloch Hewson, 64, whose body was discovered in October near Torrevieja, south of Alicante. He had been missing since September 20. Similarly, a body believed to belong to Andrew Wade, 65, was found in September near Estepona.
The community in Chirivel is now mourning the potential loss of a beloved neighbour, while the investigation continues to seek closure for her family and friends.
