Missing elderly woman found dead in Lower Merion Twp. – NBC10 Philadelphia

An elderly woman who disappeared from her senior living home in Lower Merion Township was found dead in Bryn Mawr Tuesday afternoon.

On Monday, 84-year-old Nadine Beech was reported missing after staff at the care facility noticed she had failed to show up for lunch. She was seen on surveillance video leaving the property.

Lower Merion police were concerned for her safety due to the dangerous heat and her mental state.

Detective Sergeant Michael Keenan said Beech may have been suffering from confusion or cognitive decline.

Officials don’t know why she left the facility, but say she wasn’t thrilled when she was admitted to the care facility a week and a half ago.

“She was free to come and go as she pleased. She was screened upon admission and based on the information the family gave her, there was no risk of that type of behavior,” said Tom Garvin, president of Waverly Heights.

When she left the facility, she had no cell phone or money with her and did not know the area.

“We actually did a missing resident drill just about three weeks ago. We immediately put that protocol in place when we discovered she was missing… After a thorough search of the area by at least 50 or 60 personnel, we immediately notified the Lower Marion Police Department,” Garvin said.

Officers conducted a large-scale search of the area, using drones, helicopters, all-terrain vehicles and police dogs.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ms. Beech and extend our deepest condolences to her family,” Garvin said. “Waverly Heights has never experienced a loss like this. While we regularly prepare our staff for such an event, we can never be fully prepared for the emotional impact such an event has on our community. The safety of our residents remains – and always will be – our highest priority.”