SUMTER, SC (WBTW) – The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office says they still have not found the missing 80-year-old woman reported missing earlier this week.
Deputy Ken Bell with the sheriff’s office says Barbara Nave was last seen at her home on South Tondaleia Drive on Feb. 9. Deputies say family members are concerned she may have left on foot. Investigators say she left her purse and personal belongings undisturbed in her home and her car was in the yard.
A press release says searchers combed the area surrounding her home with the help of SLED, the SC Dept. of Natural Resources, and deputies. Investigators have searched for her by air and on four-wheelers and also utilized K-9 teams without any success.
“Because of her age, this is a high priority for us,” he said. “We have searched pretty much every path she could have taken if she went toward the woods with no results,” Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis said.
Although the sheriff’s office says the ground search has ended, authorities say they continue working to locate her. “We are going back to speak with neighbors, friends – anyone she might have come into contact with,” Dennis said.
Family members and others who spoke to Nave before she went missing have all been interviewed and excluded as suspects. Although foul play is not suspected, investigators are exploring all avenues.
All of the family members passed polygraph tests and have been cooperative and eager to help authorities.
Authorities plan to continue searching for her on Saturday using cadaver dogs.
Nave is 80 years old, 5’4″ tall, 140 pounds, with grey hair and hazel eyes.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.
