A body believed to be that of missing British woman Geraldine Ann has been discovered under vegetation near a motorway in Spain. The 73-year-old woman vanished on September 17, 2023, after leaving her home in Chirivel, located near Granada, to feed some cats. Her husband reported her missing the following day when she did not return.
The circumstances surrounding Ann’s disappearance indicate that she left the property late at night, dressed in her pyjamas and flip-flops, following a disagreement with her husband. Local authorities have confirmed that they are awaiting DNA test results to officially identify the body.
Search Efforts and Community Response
A significant search operation, involving both air and land resources, was launched to locate Ann. Authorities deployed sniffer dogs and drones, while volunteers, including other British expatriates, joined the effort alongside a specialist mountain rescue unit from the Civil Guard.
Chirivel’s mayor, Jose Torregrosa Mota, expressed gratitude for the support from the Civil Guard and local police during the search. In a statement shortly after Ann’s disappearance, he noted that she suffered from senile dementia and highlighted the community’s concern for her well-being.
In a statement, Chirivel Town Hall remarked, “We profoundly regret to have to inform you that a body has been found by the A-92 motorway thought to be that of our neighbour Geraldine, pending official confirmation from the authorities.”
The search continued for a month, garnering attention on social media and from missing persons organizations, including SOS Desaparecidos. Local authorities urged residents, especially farmers and outdoor enthusiasts, to remain vigilant.
Context of Other Recent Disappearances
Spanish police have indicated that they are not treating Ann’s disappearance as suspicious. This investigation follows the recent discovery of other missing individuals. On October 20, the body of Marc Tulloch Hewson, a 64-year-old British man, was found in a wooded area near Torrevieja, south of Alicante. Hewson had been missing since September 20.
Additionally, in September, the remains of Andrew Wade, a 65-year-old man, were located near Estepona during a police search. These incidents have raised concerns within the community about the safety of vulnerable individuals.
As authorities await confirmation regarding the identity of the body believed to be Ann, the case continues to unfold, deeply affecting both local residents and the wider expatriate community.
