Washington woman found dead in car, missing for nearly a year

ANACORTES, Wash. --A 77-year-old woman from Washington state, who had been missing for nearly a year, was tragically found deceased inside her car in Oregon. Evelyn Smith was reported missing in June 2024, prompting authorities to issue a Silver Alert.

The last confirmed sighting of Smith occurred at the Peace Arch border crossing, where her vehicle attempted to enter Canada but was turned away. At the time of her disappearance, Smith did not have her cellphone or necessary medications, which raised concerns that she might have needed help to return home.

Recently, Oregon police located her car down an embankment along Highway 30 in Columbia County. Sadly, Smith was discovered inside the vehicle. Her car has since been recovered, and investigations into the circumstances surrounding her death are still ongoing.Police said she was without her cellphone or medications at the time of her disappearance and may have been unable to return home without assistance.

Over the weekend, Oregon police said Smith’s car was found down an embankment on Highway 30 in Columbia County. She was discovered dead inside the car, KOMO reported.

Her car was recovered and towed, and state police said the investigation into her death is ongoing.