Missing Moneta Woman Found Dead

BEDFORD CO. – Lina Toot, the 83-year-old woman who was missing for several days in late February was found dead Feb. 27, following an extensive search by crews from Bedford and Franklin Counties.

Toot was found in a nearby stream around a half mile from her home around 9:30 a.m. last Thursday. Search crews had been in the area several times before, but high water from heavy rain made it impossible to search the waters. With the water lower, special operation crews were sent out to search again.

Toot had Sundowner’s Syndrome, a disease that causes elderly people to become confused with the setting sun and longer shadows. Patients often venture outside at night as they become confused.

No foul play is suspected, officials say, but the investigation continues.