Elizabeth Pollard, 64, had not been heard from since Monday, when authorities believe she fell into a sinkhole that ended up being an old mine shaft in Unity Township, Pennsylvania.

Summary

Elizabeth Pollard, a 64-year-old Pennsylvania grandmother, was found dead 30 feet below the surface after falling into a sinkhole connected to a decades-old mine shaft while searching for her cat.

The four-day search shifted from rescue to recovery as hopes of finding her alive diminished. Pollard’s car was discovered nearby with her 5-year-old granddaughter inside, unharmed despite freezing temperatures.

Authorities plan to stabilize the area to prevent future sinkhole incidents, as abandoned mines pose ongoing risks in southwestern Pennsylvania.