A 66-year-old South Carolina woman who vanished after walking away from a car crash earlier this summer has been found safe at home, authorities confirmed.
Susan Rhodes was last seen around 1:48 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11, heading toward a wooded area after being involved in a collision, according to the North Augusta Department of Public Safety.
Officials said Rhodes appeared “disoriented” and possibly suffering from a medical issue. She was also spotted with her right arm in a sling. Multiple agencies joined the search.
An incident report obtained by PEOPLE states that Rhodes’ roommate told authorities she had been complaining of stroke-like symptoms earlier in the day. During the search, the roommate briefly spoke to Rhodes by phone while deputies were at her residence. Rhodes reportedly sounded “confused and disoriented.” Authorities encouraged her to call 911 so they could trace her location, but she hung up.
The next day, officers returned to the area to search on foot and appealed to residents for information.
Search efforts included drones, a helicopter, and tracking dogs combing the woods where Rhodes was last seen. By June 12, authorities reported no evidence in that area, but the investigation remained active.
On June 27, officials again urged the public to provide any leads.
On Tuesday, August 5, the North Augusta Department of Public Safety announced that Rhodes had been located alive, noting that the investigation continues.
“Thank you to everyone who shared the information and assisted in the search,” the department said. “Your support and vigilance played a vital role in helping bring this situation to a safe conclusion.”
According to the incident report, Rhodes was found inside her home after her roommate alerted authorities. She had been hiding in a bathroom.
A first responder noted that her voice was “very low” and that she struggled to speak normally. Rhodes reportedly remembered the crash, walking into the woods, and finding herself in a creek that “turned into a river.” She also mentioned strangers helping her return home but appeared unable to recall many details.
Following her discovery, Rhodes was taken to a hospital for evaluation due to memory loss. It is unclear whether she has since been released.
