JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — After hours of searching, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office says a missing 82-year-old woman has been found dead on the property of Mandarin High School on Christmas.
Police say they were initially called out around 1:55 a.m. in response to a missing woman with Alzheimer’s. Family members say Paula Gerding was last seen in the 11800 Block of Mountain Wood Lane.
Because temperatures were of concern, police say 40 JSO officers and 50 members of JFRD began a coordinated search around the area.
JSO says bloodhounds, K9s, drones, and an air unit were also utilized.
Around 11:40 a.m. she was found dead at Mandarin High School, police say.
“Obviously, every day but especially on Christmas, we’d hoped for a better outcome," said JSO. "I do want to thank the community for their assistance in trying to locate Ms. Gerding along with the cooperating agencies who participated in the search.”
At this time it's not clear if she had previous connections to the school.
JSO says it's continuing to investigate.