Tragedy in Marguerite: Woman Found Deceased After Days-Long Search
Pollard, 64, had disappeared four days earlier while searching for her cat, Pepper. Her family reported her missing early Tuesday morning as temperatures plummeted below freezing.
Desperate Search for a Missing Woman
The focus of the search centered on a manhole-sized opening in the village of Marguerite, above a long-abandoned coal mine. Local residents reported that the sinkhole might have only recently opened up.
Pollard’s car was discovered parked just 20 feet from the chasm, with her five-year-old granddaughter safely inside. The discovery fueled hope that Pollard herself might be found alive.
“We were running out of options, time and resources,” a trooper involved in the search told reporters. “I was getting worried we weren’t gonna find her.”
Crews used sophisticated equipment to excavate the area, removing massive amounts of earth and rock in hopes of reaching the suspected location of the fall.Advanced technology, including a pole camera with a sensitive listening device, was deployed, but initially yielded no results.
Tragic Discovery Offers Some Closure
As the investigation progressed, a coroner was dispatched to the scene just after 11 a.m. Friday. According to officials, the remains were believed to be those of Elizabeth Pollard.
Axel Hayes, Pollard’s son, expressed his intent to inform his father, Kenny Pollard, about the devastating news.
This tragedy echoes the dangers posed by abandoned mines, even decades after their closure. The Marguerite site, where coal mining ceased approximately 70 years ago, now serves as a somber reminder of these forgotten hazards.
The community is left grappling with the loss of a beloved resident while anxiously awaiting the release of the official cause of death.
What steps is the town of Marguerite taking to honor Elizabeth Pollard’s memory and legacy?
## Tragedy in Marguerite: A Community Mourns
**Interviewer:** We’re joined today by Mayor Michael Evans of Marguerite Township to discuss the tragic passing of Elizabeth Pollard. Mayor Evans, our hearts go out to the Pollard family and the entire community during this difficult time.
**Mayor Evans:** Thank you. This is a devastating loss for everyone in Marguerite. Elizabeth was a beloved member of our community, always willing to lend a helping hand and bring a smile to those around her.
,**Interviewer:** Can you tell us a little bit about Elizabeth and the impact she had on Marguerite?
**Mayor Evans:** Elizabeth was a dedicated volunteer at our local food bank and a passionate advocate for animal rescue. She was deeply involved in many community events and was known for her kindness and generosity. This loss has left a void in our hearts, and we will deeply miss her presence.
**Interviewer:** The search for Elizabeth following her disappearance near a sinkhole captivated the community and beyond. Can you describe the outpouring of support during those days?
**Mayor Evans:** The response from the community was truly remarkable. Volunteers from neighboring towns joined our search efforts, and businesses donated supplies and refreshments. Everyone rallied together, hoping for a different outcome. The support demonstrated the tremendous love and respect Elizabeth garnered within our community.
**Interviewer:** Moving forward, how will Marguerite remember Elizabeth and honor her legacy?
**Mayor Evans:** We plan to establish a memorial fund in Elizabeth’s name to support the causes she championed. We also want to work with local organizations to enhance safety measures around sinkholes in our area to prevent such tragedies from occurring again. Elizabeth’s memory will forever be a source of inspiration for us to continue building a strong and compassionate community.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mayor Evans, for sharing your thoughts during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Pollard family and the entire Marguerite community. [[1](https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/woman-who-fell-into-sinkhole-while-looking-cat-found-dead-after-4-day-search/2LKMPGF5RNEF7DWYRRSFXCLTFU/)]
