Senior Alert Issued For Missing Alexandria Woman

Virginia State Police said the woman suffers from a cognitive impairment and her safety could be at risk.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Virginia State Police have issued a senior alert for 80-year-old Virginia Helen Richards, who was last seen around 8:15 p.m. Wednesday at her home on West Del Ray Avenue in Alexandria, Virginia. Richards is 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighs 125 pounds, has multicolored eyes and white hair, and is believed to be on foot and possibly wearing all dark clothing.

Why it matters

Missing persons cases involving the elderly or those with cognitive impairments are especially concerning, as they are more vulnerable and their safety could be at serious risk. The Alexandria Police Department is actively searching for Richards and has issued a senior alert to help locate her quickly.

The details

According to the police, Virginia Helen Richards was last seen around 8:15 p.m. on Wednesday at her home on West Del Ray Avenue in Alexandria. Richards is described as 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighing 125 pounds, with multicolored eyes and white hair. Authorities believe she is on foot and may be wearing all dark clothing.

  • Richards was last seen around 8:15 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

The players

Virginia Helen Richards

An 80-year-old woman who was reported missing from her home in Alexandria, Virginia.

Alexandria Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that is searching for the missing woman.

Virginia State Police

The state police agency that has issued a senior alert for the missing woman.

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What’s next

The Alexandria Police Department is actively searching for Virginia Helen Richards and has issued a senior alert to help locate her quickly.

The takeaway

Missing persons cases involving the elderly or those with cognitive impairments require urgent action, as their safety and well-being are at serious risk. The community should remain vigilant and report any information that could help locate the missing woman.