Searchers look for woman with dementia in Uncompahgre forest

Searchers on foot and ATVs are scouring a portion of the Uncompahgre National Forest looking for signs of a missing 82-year-old woman with dementia.

Mary Finnegan was last seen on July 15 in Montrose but her car was discovered in the forest near the border of Mesa and Montrose counties on Sunday, prompting the search.

Mesa County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Megan Terlecky says the car was stuck on a rough dirt road and a telephone book had been placed under a wheel in an apparent attempt to get traction. Finnegan’s purse and identification were found inside.

Searchers, which include nearby ranchers as well as law enforcement and search and rescue team members, don’t have any other clues to go on because rain has washed away possible footprints.