Presumed Located NV - Gayle Stewart, 64, missing for 2nd time in two months, Hoover Dam, 14 March 2022

[steff13]

This is only my second thread so I hope I've done it correctly:

Nevada woman who disappeared last month and was found clinging to tree on a steep cliff, has vanished again, officials say (nbcnews.com)

A Nevada woman who vanished on Valentine’s Day and was then rescued clinging to a tree on a steep cliff has gone missing again, officials said.

Gayle Stewart, 64, was found last month on a slope in a hiking area in her hometown of Reno. She is now missing for the second time in consecutive months, federal authorities said, but this time her last know whereabouts were hundreds of miles from home.

Gayle Stewart of Reno, Nev.National Park Service
Stewart was last seen on March 14, in the Bypass Bridge parking area near Hoover Dam, according to a statement from the US Park Rangers of Lake Mead National Recreation Area and Special Agents with the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch.

 

[steff13]

So she went missing twice on the 14th of two consecutive months. Although, it appears she was only missing for a few hours/one day the first time.

 

[steff13]

From the statement released by the National Park Service:

US Park Rangers of Lake Mead National Recreation Area and Special Agents with the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch (ISB) are seeking information from the public to help locate a missing Reno, Nevada woman. Park officials say 64-year-old Gayle Stewart was last seen on March 14, 2022, in the Bypass Bridge parking area near Hoover Dam. Stewart had traveled to the area to take photographs and did not return to her vehicle.

Stewart has blonde hair, blue eyes, is 5’08” tall, and weighs about 125 pounds. She was last seen wearing a black long sleeve shirt, black leggings, and black shoes. She did not have her phone or any identification on her at the time.

Search underway for missing woman in Lake Mead National Recreation Area - Investigative Services (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

 

[MountainGal33]

What are the chances!?

The first time she was found in the Reno hiking area of Caughlin Ranch clinging to a tree off a steep cliff.

"She was located in an area where people don’t usually walk on a dangerously steep slope."

Maybe she liked to take risks when she took photographs?

So she was last seen this time at Bypass Bridge by Hoover Dam - Looks VERY dangerous...

Also: "She did not have her phone or any identification on her at the time."

Nevada woman who was found clinging to tree on steep cliff has gone missing again, officials say

 

[steff13]

It's difficult to imagine that she went out on her own like that without her phone. Particularly after she was stranded on a tree just a month before that. Very strange.

 

[MsKitty]

I’m following this story as I knew Gayle many years ago. I didn’t really think anything was unusual when I read the story of her missing on Valentine’s Day, and I’m only learning now about this latest at Hoover Dam even though she went missing 8 days ago

 

[MimosaMornings]

So she took her camera with her?
I’m wondering what kind of pictures were on her camera from her last outing. That might be a clue as to what kind of pictures she was looking to take.
JMO

 

[MimosaMornings]

There is a protected sidewalk on the bridge and it is usually very windy. Lots of traffic zooming by you as you walk across the bridge. Great view of Hoover Dam.
Not for those with a fear of heights.
JMO

 

[MsKitty]

I’ve been searching for news stories, but they all seem to say the same thing. I haven’t found anything where the family is speaking out and asking for help. Usually you expect to see that in situations like this.

 

[MountainGal33]

I’ve been searching for news stories, but they all seem to say the same thing. I haven’t found anything where the family is speaking out and asking for help. Usually you expect to see that in situations like this.

I agree on that too l was looking for more information. There are minimal stories. Also the articles l have read today said she left her car to go take photos and never came back..

How do they know this? Was someone with her in the car?

I also imagine there are many traffic cams by that bridge…

So little to go on right now :/

 

[MountainGal33]

So she took her camera with her?
I’m wondering what kind of pictures were on her camera from her last outing. That might be a clue as to what kind of pictures she was looking to take.
JMO

great point!

 

[MsKitty]

Re: the Valentine’s Day incident, today I read an article in the Reno Gazette Journal that said “. . . after she wandered from her home”. “Wander” to me implies there may be some mental issues, dementia?

 

[modesty blaise]

The lady may he suffering from some sort of impairment. 64 is relatively young esp by todays standards.

 

[steff13]

This is a tweet from the governor from the first time she went missing. I was thinking she might not have any family, but this says her son and his friends went looking for her. It looks like the rescue was pretty involved.

 

[steff13]

I can't help but wonder, and I hope it's ok to say this, that maybe the first time wasn't an accident. Maybe she just got scared or changed her mind at the last minute?

 

[MountainGal33]

Re: the Valentine’s Day incident, today I read an article in the Reno Gazette Journal that said “. . . after she wandered from her home”. “Wander” to me implies there may be some mental issues, dementia?

If so I think they would have the "highly vulnerable" or "vulnerable adult" words attached to the articles and poster.

She drove 400 miles from Reno to the Hoover Dam. Either alone or with someone?

But it would be odd for them not to say those words if she has memory issues etc..

At least in my opinion...

 

[DeDee]

It would seem that if she suffered a mental health issue such as early onset Dementia, the family would have taken her car away after the first mishap on FEB 14. Folks with Dementia cannot control their desires to continue being independent for their judgment is impaired.

My 83yo father had ALZ Dementia for his last ten years but the first time he got lost driving, we took his car. My 58yo sister died in JAN from Lewy Body Dementia after only a 4 year diagnosis but her vehicle was taken straight away and before the diagnosis was made. These decisions are not made arbitrarily nor taken lightly but the safety of loved ones is paramount.

This KOLO 8abc MAR 22 article states she's missing from the Lake Mead Recreation area which, at 1.5 million acres, happens to be America’s largest national recreation area. GS was last seen March 14, 2022 in the Bypass Bridge parking area near Hoover Dam. Gayle did not return to her vehicle. She was last seen wearing a black long sleeve shirt, black leggings, and black shoes. How very frightening for her!
Reno woman missing in southern Nevada

 

[MimosaMornings]

She was injured just a month ago and traveled 400 miles alone to take pictures?
Alone?
Is she retired?
Has she always done solo trips and hikes without notifying anyone of her plans?

 

[bykerladi]

MOO. What if the last disappearance was really a suicide attempt that she chickened out on, and was saved. This would be her second attempt, and, unlike a woods where there are trees to hold on to, you can't hold on to anything at the Dam.

Either that, or if this lady is found she needs to buy a lottery ticket every day for the rest of her life.

 

[Jo in Calif]

Sadly I think her son knows.

Stewart's son, Mathew, posted to his Facebook page on Sunday, "The smile I have is yours. You showed me the power of positivity. You taught me how to be happy and grew me into a man. My heart aches."

On March 17, the son posted, "Mom. Wherever you are I hope you are not in pain and you have found your peace. You were the sweetest person I ever knew. You raised me and helped me become who I am today. Your fun loving spirit and positive outlook on the world is something to be admired. I will always remember all the fun we had together. Love you always!"

Missing Woman Found Clinging to Tree Has Disappeared Again