Search called off for missing woman

CATALDO –– The official search for a missing Smelterville woman has been called off, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office. 

Sixty-two-year-old Linda Kent reportedly went missing just before 9 p.m. on Sunday evening, while fishing with her family at the Cataldo Boat Launch along the Coeur d’Alene River.  

According to Kent's daughter, Christina Heimbigner, Kent left the dock to use the restroom near the boat launch but never returned. When they realized she was missing, the family searched the area for roughly 20 minutes before contacting law enforcement.  

Kent suffers from dementia, a press release said.

According to KCSO Lt. Zach Sifford, the department called off the search Monday evening, stating that they had exhausted all of their available resources.

Sifford said boats, drones, infrared imaging, helicopters and extensive manpower had been utilized. K-9 units were dispatched, but could not pick up a scent trail.