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Aletha Gee Watson spent eight days in those woods and survived sweltering heat and extreme thunderstorms. Rescuers took her to the Centra Southside Community Hospital for treatment, though it's unclear if she was injured.
“This has been incredibly challenging, but we are thrilled to be able to provide the family the best possible outcome," said Prince Edward County Sheriff Tony Epps. "I have spoken with the family and they relayed their appreciation to everyone involved in the search for their loved one."
The search Walton began on May 17 after her family reported her missing to the Sheriff's Office. They had last seen her two days earlier at her home in the Simplicity area.
That part of the county is covered in dense pine forests, which made progress in the search slow and arduous. Dozens of rescue state and local rescue crews from across Virginia helped out in the search as there was an immediate concern for her safety.
Her family says she suffers from the early stages of dementia.
Despite all she had been through, Watson was found in good spirits. Her sister, Sandra Knight, said was sitting on a tree stump singing "Amazing Grace" when rescue workers stumbled on her 0.8 miles from her home.
"Amazing Grace," Knight told WTVR in Richmond. "God was with her the whole time."
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