Pennsylvania grandmother fell into sinkhole searching for cat found dead after 4 days of searching

The days of searching for a grandmother from Pennsylvania, who fell into an abyss while searching for her cat, ended in tragedy when rescuers found the woman’s body, authorities said Friday.

The remains of Elizabeth Pollard, 64, were found about 11:05 a.m., about 30 feet below the surface, Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Steve Limani told reporters.

Pollard was last seen around 5 p.m. Monday in Unity Township, about 40 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. She fell through a chasm and into a decades-old mine shaft.

On Wednesday, state police said the nature of the searches had changed from rescue to recovery mission.

“Obviously it would have been better if we could have found her alive,” said John Bacha, Pleasant Valley Volunteer Fire Chief and head of search and rescue operations. “We knew after a while that that probably wasn’t likely, unfortunately.”

The family was grateful their loved one’s body was found, recovered by searchers who worked hard for more than 80 hours over 3 1/2 days, officials told reporters.

“I wish I had a better outcome,” said Marguerite Fire Chief Scot Graham, incident commander. “We were able to bring Elizabeth home.”

Pollard was reported missing by a relative on Monday.

State troopers found her car parked near a restaurant with her 5-year-old granddaughter still inside. The granddaughter was in good condition despite freezing temperatures, police said.

About 15 to 20 feet from Pollard’s car, authorities found the sinkhole.

Once the rescue and recovery is complete, engineers will work to fortify any possible erosion points.

“They’re going to eventually look at putting grout in there and shoring up the whole area,” Limani said.

As abandoned mines dot much of southwest Pennsylvania, authorities have urged residents to keep an eye out for possible sinkholes and call the state.

“I hope a tragedy like this never happens again,” said Unity Township Supervisor Mike O’Barto.