Wood County Sheriff Confirms Missing Woman Found Deceased After Vehicle Located

WOOD COUNTY, Texas — Authorities have confirmed that Laurie Harberson, who was reported missing on January 23, was found deceased following a multi-day search in a densely wooded area of Wood County.

According to the Wood County Sheriff’s Office, dispatch received a call on February 6 from a property owner on County Road 4539 who discovered a vehicle stuck along a Wood County Electric power line right-of-way. The property owner had arrived at the location — approximately 200 acres of property where he does not reside — to place corn in wildlife feeders.

After receiving information on the vehicle, dispatch determined it belonged to Harberson, who had previously been reported missing as an endangered elderly adult.

Deputies and Criminal Investigation Division personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene. Harberson was not located inside the vehicle. Due to the late evening hour and the densely wooded terrain, deputies conducted an initial search of the surrounding area.

A more extensive search was launched the following morning, Saturday, February 7, utilizing UTVs and a K-9 unit.

During that search, Harberson was located deceased in a heavily wooded area approximately one-half mile from the Wood County Electric right-of-way.

Investigators believe Harberson became confused during a recent cold weather event, wandered onto the right-of-way, and became stuck. Authorities say she later left the vehicle and succumbed to the elements.

The Wood County Sheriff’s Office extended its thoughts and prayers to Harberson’s family and expressed gratitude to all agencies and individuals who assisted in the search efforts.