Account
Nov 07, 2024
Nov 12, 2024
Evelyn
Smith
77
77
63 inches
140 lbs
White / Caucasian
Female
In the late afternoon of June 24, 2024, 77-year-old Evelyn Krystl Smith was seen for the last time at the Peace Arch border crossing in Blaine, Washington. Driving her blue Saturn Aura, she had attempted to enter Canada but was turned away because her passport had expired. Concerned family members from Anacortes reported her missing, noting she had left her home without her phone or necessary medications. Her family had grown increasingly worried about her well-being, citing concerns about cognitive decline and struggles with mental health. Before her disappearance, her daughter had tried to seek help from psychiatrists and social workers without success. After being denied entry to Canada, Evelyn, who appeared disoriented and asked for directions home, was pointed south. This was the last known contact anyone had with her. Following her disappearance, a period of agonizing uncertainty began for Evelyn's loved ones. There was no activity on her bank accounts or credit cards. Despite her family's pleas, a Silver Alert was not issued until nearly a week after she vanished. Her family believes this delay was a critical misstep, arguing that she was vulnerable and not in a clear state of mind. The search for Evelyn continued for eight long months, a time filled with both hope and despair for a family desperate for answers. They described the experience as one of heartbreak, frustration, and unanswered questions. The search came to a tragic end on February 27, 2025, just one day after what would have been her 78th birthday. Evelyn's car was discovered down a steep embankment off Highway 30 in Columbia County, Oregon, hundreds of miles from where she was last seen. Sadly, she was found deceased inside the vehicle. Investigators stated there were no signs of foul play, and the county medical examiner suggested the cause of death was likely exposure. The case overview reveals a heartbreaking sequence of events, starting with an elderly woman in a state of confusion being turned away at the border. Her family feels the systems in place failed to protect a vulnerable person, pointing to the delay in issuing a Silver Alert and the lack of intervention at the border when she was clearly in distress. Her death has left her family with immeasurable grief and a resolve to advocate for changes in how such cases are handled to prevent similar tragedies.
Jun 24, 2024
Blaine
Washington
Whatcom County
Blaine
No
156053
Anacortes Police Department
Anacortes
Washington
Skagit County
98221
Jackie Nations
Detective Sergeant
1218 24th Street, Washington
3602934684
Local
Law Enforcement
24-A03872
2024-06-25
Anacortes Police Department
Gray or Partially Gray
Hazel
Hazel
Yes
06/05/2026
