Missing Putnam County Woman Dies After Wandering Off in Winter Storm

87-year-old with Alzheimer's left home in nightgown, no shoes or coat during freezing temperatures

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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An 87-year-old Putnam County, Georgia woman with Alzheimer's wandered away from a relative's home during a winter snowstorm last week and was later found unresponsive in a wooded area. She was taken to the hospital but died from cardiac arrest due to hypothermia, according to the coroner.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the challenges faced by families caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's, especially during extreme weather events. It also raises awareness about the need for better safety measures and support systems to protect vulnerable populations during emergencies.

The details

The woman, identified as Ruby Smith, left the home on Lower Harmony Road in the middle of the night wearing only a nightgown and no shoes or coat. Temperatures had dropped into the teens, with wind chills feeling like single digits. A relative called 911 around 6:22 a.m. after discovering Smith missing and the back door open. Deputies and first responders launched an immediate search and found Smith about 200 yards away in a wooded area, where she was unresponsive but still had a pulse. She was taken to the hospital but died from cardiac arrest due to hypothermia, according to the coroner.

  • The woman was last seen by her son around 1 a.m.
  • Her daughter-in-law said she had the woman up and moving around at 4 a.m.
  • The 911 call reporting her missing came in at 6:22 a.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026.
  • The search lasted only a short time before she was found in the woods.
  • She was pronounced dead at Putnam General Hospital.

The players

Ruby Smith

An 87-year-old Putnam County woman with Alzheimer's who wandered away from a relative's home and died from hypothermia.

Putnam County Sheriff's Office

Law enforcement agency that responded to the 911 call and led the search for the missing woman.

Putnam County Fire Department

First responders who assisted in the search and rescue effort.

Putnam General Hospital

The hospital where the woman was taken and where she was pronounced dead.

Hollis Harrison

The Putnam County coroner who determined the cause of death as cardiac arrest due to hypothermia.

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What they’re saying

“The lady ended up being located approximately 200 yards in a thickly wooded area, where they found her. She was laying on the ground and had a pulse.”

— Sgt. Justin Brock, Putnam County Sheriff's Office (unionrecorder.com)

What’s next

The Putnam County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident to determine if any additional safety measures could have prevented the woman's tragic death.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking case underscores the vital need for enhanced support and safeguards for individuals with Alzheimer's, especially during extreme weather events when they are at heightened risk. It serves as a somber reminder for families to be vigilant in caring for their loved ones with dementia and to work closely with local authorities on emergency preparedness plans.