August 14, 2024 4:10 a.m.

The Myrtle Creek Police are still seeking help from the public in a missing person case.

Detective Kevin Taggart said on August 5th, 69-year-old Kathleen Wilson left Myrtle Creek on her way to Chiloquin. The McMinnville woman did not make it to her destination. Her vehicle, a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze with Oregon license plate 747EDB,  was last seen passing the Dry Creek area on Highway 138E at approximately 7:35 a.m.

Taggart said MCPD, with assistance from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, Forest Service Law Enforcement and numerous firefighting crews conducted an extensive search over the last week but have been unable to locate Wilson or her vehicle. OSP flew a plane over the area but smoke from the wildfires made a search from the air impossible.

Wilson’s information has been distributed to multiple counties, and other agencies outside Douglas County are attempting to locate Wilson or her vehicle, in the event she was able to make it past the county line. Oregon Department of Transportation reader boards have been displaying Be on The Lookout notices on multiple state highways.

Taggart said at this point in the investigation, it has been determined that more likely than not, Wilson drove out the North Umpqua Highway from Roseburg and became lost somewhere in the vast wilderness off Highway 138E. Taggart said the investigation is ongoing and will not be closed until Wilson is found.

The public, especially those that are recreating or traveling the forest roads off the North Umpqua Highway are asked to be vigilant and keep an eye out for Wilson or her vehicle. Anyone who believes that they have information that may be relevant to the case is asked to call law enforcement at 541-440-4471 immediately.