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Infrared drone footage of missing woman in the woods.
GRANT TOWNSHIP — A 74-year-old Norton Shores woman, who had been missing since Thursday, April 3, was found by rescuers with drones Sunday, April 6, in Mason County.
Nancy Bloomquist was lost in a “heavily wooded area,” said Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole, and she laid next to a downed tree to seek shelter during the rain Thursday night. “She became cold to the point that she could not get back to her feet Friday,” said Sheriff Cole. “She remained lying on the ground until found Sunday evening.
Nancy Bloomquist. Photo from Norton Shores Police Dept.
“At 1:57 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, 2025, Mason County deputies were called to a reported burned vehicle south of Countyline Road and west of Morton Road, in Mason County’s Grant Township,” states Sheriff Cole in a press release. “It was reported the vehicle matched that of a reported missing person out of the Norton Shores Police Department.
Cole said a search was immediately started around the vehicle and surrounding area. The search included members of the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, Grant Township Fire and the Mason County Sheriff’s Office Drone unit. Norton Shores Police Department, the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Tribal Police and Manistee County Sheriff’s Office also assisted at the scene. Filer Township Fire Department was dispatched but disregarded.
“At 7:08 p.m., the missing person was located by a drone roughly 150 yards from her vehicle in a heavily wooded area, lying next to a downed tree,” Cole said. “It was confirmed this person was the missing person from Norton Shores. She was found alive and was talking with deputies at the scene.
“It was learned through interviews, surveillance video, and a trail camera near a seasonal home, that the victim left the Little River Casino on Thursday, presumably, to return to Norton Shores. She became lost and ended up on a long driveway of a seasonal home. While attempting to get turned around, the vehicle became disabled and caught fire.
“The victim left the vehicle, however, forgot her cell phone in the vehicle. When she attempted to return to the car, she became lost. A trail cam captured the vehicle driving in and the victim walking out. Video evidence showed she did not return.
“In 2015 the MCSO received its first drone through a generous donation from a citizen. Today, the sheriff’s office has three drones purchased with the assistance of the Mason County Board of Commissioners and grants, and a team of deputies with specialized training in their operation.
“Most recently, the MCSO purchased equipment which allows internet access via Starlink satellites. With little to no cell phone service in that area, the drone team was able to access Starlink for connectivity to the drones.”
The Norton Shores Police Department posted a press release and Bloomquist’s photo, requesting the public’s help in finding her.
See video here:
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