Pathmani Goonawardena Obituary, Death: Missing at-risk 82-year-old woman found dead in Mariposa County, police report
Pathmani Goonawardena Obituary, Death – An 82-year-old woman who had been reported missing has been found deceased in Mariposa County, according to a statement released by the Clovis Police Department on Thursday.
The woman, identified as Pathmani Goonawardena, had been the subject of a Silver Alert issued by the California Highway Patrol on June 30. The alert was activated after she was reported missing and classified as an at-risk individual due to her age and potential medical concerns.
Goonawardena was last seen on June 26, and her vehicle was later spotted traveling through Madera County. Authorities believed she may have been attempting to reach the Coarsegold area, a region located in Madera County and known for its rural surroundings. Based on the last known movement of her vehicle, investigators focused their search efforts in areas she was likely to have traveled through.
On Thursday, police confirmed that she had been located deceased near her vehicle in Mariposa County. Following the discovery, officials announced the cancellation of the Silver Alert.
At this time, investigators have stated that there is no evidence of foul play or suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. While the exact cause of death has not yet been publicly released, police emphasized that nothing at the scene suggested criminal activity.
The Clovis Police Department has not provided additional details on how Goonawardena came to be in Mariposa County or what may have caused her death. However, the proximity of her body to her vehicle suggests that she may have become stranded or disoriented in the area before passing away.
The case drew concern from the public due to her age and the duration of her disappearance. Community members had hoped for a safe outcome when the Silver Alert was first issued, but Thursday’s update brought a somber end to the search.
Goonawardena’s disappearance and death serve as a reminder of the vulnerability of elderly individuals, especially those who may suffer from memory issues or other medical conditions that could affect their judgment or mobility. Authorities typically issue Silver Alerts for individuals considered at risk due to age, cognitive impairments, or medical conditions.
Law enforcement agencies thanked those who had shared the Silver Alert and helped raise awareness about her disappearance. While the outcome was tragic, public attention and support often play a crucial role in helping locate missing individuals more quickly.
As of now, no further information has been released about funeral arrangements or statements from Goonawardena’s family. The Clovis Police Department expressed condolences to her loved ones and reiterated that no ongoing danger to the public is connected to the case.
The incident has brought a quiet close to a week-long search, ending in heartbreak for her family and the wider community who hoped for a better outcome.
