From the Office of the Sheriff Sheriff Dennis L. Dotson

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For Immediate Release

NEWS RELEASE

Date: November 8, 2006

Contact:	Deputy Bruce McGuire 541-265-4277 x2729 bmcguire@co.lincoln.or.us
Incident:	Missing Persons ***UPDATE***
Date Occurred:	November 7, 2006
Time Occurred:	Approximately 5:30 PM
Location:	Glenn Avenue in Gleneden Beach, OR

Summary:

On November 8, 2006 at about 7:05 a.m. the body of an elderly female was discovered washed up on the beach, nearly a mile north of where Elma and Jan Benefiel were last seen. A citizen who lives in a beach front home near Salishan Drive saw the body from their home and called police.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, the Oregon State Police, and the U.S. Coast Guard responded to the scene. Based on photographs obtained last night by the Sheriff’s Office, the body was identified as 78 year old Elma Benefiel. Depoe Bay Fire personnel responded and assisted in removing the body from the beach. The Sheriff’s Office has been in contact with the family and they have been notified.

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office requested assistance in searching the area. The US Coast Guard deployed a search team and a helicopter to search the beach and cliffs in the area. Depoe Bay Fire Department, Lincoln County Search and Rescue personnel, and deputies with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office were called in to search local wooden areas and canvass the neighborhoods. Tracking dogs were brought in and located the scent of the women in the area.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, including their Search and Rescue team, Oregon State Police, Depoe Bay Fire Department, and the U.S. Coast Guard are continuing the search for Jan Benefiel, who remains missing.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is asking for assistance from the public. Anyone with information regarding the missing women is asked to call the Lincoln County Communication Center at (541) 265-4231.

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