Naples woman found alive after 6-day-long search

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. — Authorities have found 80-year-old Naples woman Margaret Gallaway, who was reported missing six days ago, alive inside a neighbor’s garage Sunday, following an extensive search.

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) announced Sunday afternoon that 80-year-old Margaret Ann Gallaway, of Naples, has been located and is safe.

Gallaway was reported missing and endangered in the Lely area of Collier County on Monday, Oct. 16.

CCSO deputies were searching door-to-door Sunday and reviewing security footage from Crown Pointe residents.

They noticed a glimpse of someone entering an open garage.

The homeowner was out of town but consented to deputies going inside.

Deputies safely located Gallaway inside the garage.

According to CCSO, she was last seen around 2:00 p.m. that day in the Crown Pointe Community between Davis Boulevard and Rattlesnake Hammock Road.

She has Alzheimer’s Disease and is non-verbal.

Footage of Gallaway walking north was captured on a Ring doorbell camera.

Later that night, a CCSO conducted a grid search of the community. Deputies went door to door handing out flyers.

Aviation units were called out to help in the search with infrared detection, and four search teams were looking for Gallaway.

The search for Gallaway continued throughout the week as the local community gathered in her name.

Crown Pointe residents joined for a prayer vigil outside the neighborhood clubhouse on Wednesday night, hoping Gallaway would be found alive.

Gallaway was taken to a local hospital for evaluation.

CCSO extends its thanks to the first responders and community members who contributed their efforts in this search.