Teams search for missing mushroom picker near Vancouver

VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) — Authorities are searching for a 74-year-old woman who disappeared while picking mushrooms east of Vancouver, Washington.

The Columbian reports Jung VanAtta was last seen Saturday morning on land about 15 miles northwest of Stevenson, according to the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office.

She had been picking mushrooms with 87-year-old Donald Bergseng of Vancouver and had reportedly decided to go pick more mushrooms with plans to return within the hour.

Friends and family searched for VanAtta, who had never picked in the area and was unfamiliar with the property, and alerted authorities Saturday afternoon.

Search and rescue personnel combed the area Saturday night with no results.

The search continued Sunday with ground teams, dogs, aerial drones and a contracted helicopter. An automated phone calling system was also used to alert area residents.

AP Only 2019