Elderly Whitley woman found safe after walking away from doctor’s office

A Whitley County Golden Alert, which was issued for a missing senior citizen with Alzheimer’s disease Thursday afternoon, had a happy ending early Thursday evening.

Whitley County Sheriff Colan Harrell said that Nobu T. Smith, 74, of the Verne community, was found at her home about 7:40 p.m. Thursday.

"We are very fortunate. It’s a happy ending. In my business, sometimes they end up just the opposite. I am grateful that she has been located and she is well," Harrell said.

About 2:30 p.m., Smith went with her husband to an appointment at Dr. K. R. Chaudry’s office, which is located in Moonbow Plaza near Corbin.

"He met the appointment. She waited out front. When he came out about 3:30 p.m., she was gone," Harrell said.

About 4:45 p.m., Smith’s family members reported her missing to 911 dispatchers.

Emergency officials issued a Golden Alert about 5:30 p.m.

Harrell said that someone apparently stopped and gave Smith a ride home. Smith’s nephew located her at her home about 7:40 p.m.

Harrell estimates that about 40 people assisted with the search efforts.

"I commend the rescue squads, Woodbine and Oak Grove. They responded diligently. They did an excellent job organizing and setting up the search. I just can’t say enough about these guys," Harrell said.

Agencies assisting with the search included: the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, Woodbine and Oak Grove Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Williamsburg Police Department, Corbin Police Department, Kentucky Emergency Management, Whitley County Emergency Management and Whitley County EMS.