A body, believed to be that of a missing British woman, has been discovered under vegetation near the A-92 motorway in Spain. The search for 73-year-old Geraldine Ann began after she vanished on September 17, 2023, from her home in Chirivel, located near Granada in southern Spain. Ann reportedly left her residence late at night in her pyjamas and flip-flops to feed some cats following a disagreement with her husband.
Her husband reported her missing the next day when she did not return home. Local police have stated that they are currently awaiting DNA test results to confirm the identity of the body. A statement from Chirivel Town Hall expressed deep regret regarding the discovery, indicating, “We profoundly regret to have to inform you that a body has been found by the A-92 motorway thought to be that of our neighbour Geraldine, pending official confirmation from the authorities.”
Search Efforts Involving Community and Authorities
The search operation was extensive, involving both aerial and ground efforts. Authorities utilized sniffer dogs and drones as part of the search strategy. Volunteers, including other British expatriates, joined a specialist mountain rescue unit from the Civil Guard to aid in the search.
Chirivel’s mayor, Jose Torregrosa Mota, noted that Ann suffered from senile dementia. “The night she went missing, she’d apparently had a small argument with her husband and left home,” he said in an appeal shortly after her disappearance. He expressed gratitude toward the Civil Guard and police forces in Chirivel and the nearby municipality of Cullar for their dedicated efforts.
The body was located in Cullar, approximately 1.6 kilometers from where Ann was last seen. The case garnered significant attention on social media, prompting support from organizations like SOS Desaparecidos, which focuses on raising awareness for missing persons.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Support
A month after Ann’s disappearance, local officials released a statement indicating that while the advanced control room was no longer in operation, the search would continue. They encouraged local farmers and outdoor enthusiasts to remain vigilant and report any sightings.
As of now, Spanish authorities are not treating the case as suspicious. This incident follows the recent discovery of another missing British man, Marc Tulloch Hewson, 64, whose body was found in a wooded area near Torrevieja on October 20, 2023. He had been missing since September 20. Similarly, in September, the body of Andrew Wade, 65, was located near Estepona during police operations.
The community remains hopeful for clarity in this tragic situation as they await official confirmation regarding the identity of the body found.
