A Pennsylvania woman remains missing after authorities believe she may have fallen through a sinkhole, likely during her search for her beloved cat. Elizabeth Pollard, 64, disappeared late on December 2nd, prompting extensive rescue efforts to locate her beneath the ground where her car was found parked nearby.
The events unfolded around 5 p.m. on Monday when Pollard set out to find her 5-year-old cat named Pepper, who had strayed from home. After her granddaughter, who was left safely inside their parked vehicle, woke up to realize her grandmother had not returned, the family reported Pollard missing to the Pennsylvania State Police at approximately 1 a.m. the next morning.
Upon arriving at the scene, authorities discovered a sizable sinkhole—a perilous byproduct of the region's historic coal mining activities—right next to where Pollard's car was parked. This apparent sinkhole, measuring around 30 feet deep, may have opened suddenly as she searched for her feline friend. “It almost feels like it opened up with her standing on top of it,” said Trooper Steve Limani, voicing concerns for both the safety of the rescuers and the integrity of the surrounding ground.
According to police, the sinkhole was not present earlier, as hunt club members and restaurant staff had traversed the area without notice of any ground anomalies. This lead to speculation among rescuers, who fear potential mine subsidence could complicate or endanger their search efforts. “The integrity of the mine is starting to become compromised,” Trooper Limani added.
Rescue crews have been working tirelessly, even through the night, employing machinery to clear out soil and debris from around the sinkhole. Despite their efforts, initial attempts to detect any signs of Pollard using cameras and listening devices placed deep within the gaping void have been fruitless.
Family members shared their growing concerns and anguish as days drag on without any news. Axel Hayes, Pollard’s son, expressed his mixed emotions, saying, “I’m upset she hasn’t been found yet, and I’m really just worried about whether she’s still down there, where she is down there, or if she went somewhere and found somewhere safer.” Hayes continued with hope, stating, “Right now, I just hope she’s alive and well.”
Pollard's car, found near the now infamous sinkhole, raises potential questions and worries for investigators, as there’s no indication she would have ventured far from her vehicle. The police monitored any nearby infrastructure damage, ensuring no additional hazards come from the area. Pollard’s granddaughter had fallen asleep during the ordeal and recounted waking alone, relaying the heart-wrenching moment when she realized, “Grandma never came back.”
The situation faced by authorities is made even more precarious due to the freezing temperatures. While search and rescue teams strategically maneuver through the night, reflections of hope rested on the possibility of finding Pollard alive, as the underground could potentially shelter warmer conditions from the biting cold above.
Once search efforts conclude, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection plans to dispatch teams to the site for thorough inspections, as preliminary beliefs indicate historical mining practices contributed to the sink's formation.
The case shines light on the dangers of sinkholes across Pennsylvania, especially those near areas once disturbed by coal extraction. The unique geology of the state means many residents must stay vigilant, as these natural phenomena can appear without warning and lead to tragic incidents.
Meanwhile, the hunt for Pollard will continue as rescue teams remain committed, determined to unearth any signs of life within the depths of the earth.
