Juliann Siple, 65, last seen walking dogs
Staff Report
Humboldt Sentinel
A local senior citizen was reported missing by her domestic partner, leading the local Search and Rescue team to swing into action this evening.
At about 5:30 p.m. today, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a possible missing person — a 65-year-old McKinleyville resident, Juliann Siple, who was overdue from walking her dogs this afternoon.
Siple’s domestic partner told police that she dropped Siple off at Moonstone Beach at about 1 p.m. today so she could walk her two dogs. When the woman returned at 2 p.m. to pick up her partner, Siple was not present, and could not be found in an initial search by her domestic partner.
According to the account provided by the HCSO, when Siple’s domestic partner returned home, there was an answering machine message from Siple stating she was walking home. The woman then drove to Clam Beach and spoke to the campground host who saw and spoke with Siple at 2:30 p.m., wherein Siple was asking for directions to the Hammond Trail. The campground host supposedly last saw Siple walking south on the Clam Beach Frontage Road.
As of 5:30 p.m. there was still no sign of Siple, who does not possess a cell phone. When her domestic partner called the HCSO, she said it was out of character for Siple to stay out after dark and not make contact, and also mentioned medical issues of concern.
The missing woman is described as a 5’2″ Caucasian female with brown hair, brown eyes and wearing a full white jumpsuit. Her two small dogs were described as a 35-pound sheep dog named Sadie and a smaller dog with big ears named Odie.
The HCSO asks any member of the public with information on the whereabouts of Juliann Siple to call (707) 445-7251.
Update: Ms. Siple was located at 8:30 a.m. today, suffering from extreme hypothermia and transported for medical treatment. Her two dogs were also with her, according to the Times-Standard.
Did she get stuck during high tide or what?
Brandy, most likely not, or at least when she was located. According to the most recent Times-Standard update, this has unfortunately become a tragic incident. She has died:
“Humboldt County Coroner Dave Parris is reporting that Juliann Siple has died. After her partner reported Siple missing Sunday afternoon, the 65-year-old was found face up in four inches of water on Letz Avenue in McKinleyville this morning, according to Arcata Fire Protection District. She was suffering from hypothermia and was transferred to Mad River Community Hospital. Authorities are still investigating how Siple ended up at that location.”
To note, temperatures were at or near freezing Sunday night/Monday morning.