A mother from Indiana, who disappeared over a week ago, has been discovered safe in a nearby woodland area, just a few days after a fire erupted in her home in what officials are deeming a “suspicious” incident.
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office reported that on October 8, around 5:30 p.m., they received a 911 call from 46-year-old Britney Gard, stating that she was lost in the Hall Woods Nature Preserve, located east of Bainbridge, Indiana. This area is approximately 2.5 miles away from her home, as per the authorities.
“Britney was swiftly located by deputies of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office with support from Indiana Conservation Officers, an Indiana State Police detective, Bainbridge Fire Department personnel, and highly effective guidance from our 911 dispatch team,” stated Sheriff Jerrod E. Baugh.
At the scene, Gard was assessed by medical teams before being taken to a hospital for additional care. Authorities have not yet provided an update on her current medical status.
Authorities are investigating a “suspicious” fire after rescuers found the missing mother alive nearby. (Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Indiana)
Investigators have labeled the fire as “suspicious.” After the incident, family members and law enforcement were unable to contact Gard, leading to days of searching through fields, wooded areas, and ponds in proximity to her house.
According to WRTV, Gard’s daughter, who was attending a volleyball game that night, returned to find emergency services present at their home, where she learned her mother was missing.
The outlet also reported that Gard’s purse and ID were left behind.
Family members — including Gard’s four sisters — traveled from across the country to help with search efforts during the week she was missing, WRTV reported.
Authorities have not released further details about how Gard ended up in the wooded preserve or the cause of the fire. The investigation remains ongoing.
“Please continue to keep Ms. Gard’s family, our investigators and emergency personnel in your prayers,” Baugh said.
Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.
