A 78-year-old Washington woman named Evelyn Krystl Smith was found dead inside her vehicle on Thursday, February 27, following a crash. She was previously reported missing and was last seen back in June 2024 after she was refused entry to Canada.
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According to PEOPLE, the Oregon State Police responded to a crashed vehicle report on Highway 30. Inside was the Smith's body, who was the vehicle's owner. Police were able to identify her and found out that she was "listed as a missing person out of Anacortes." Oregon State Police contacted the Anacortes Police Department and Smith's next of kin.
According to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), Evelyn Krystl Smith was last seen in June 2024. She was attempting to enter Canada but, after being refused entry, she re-entered the United States. Smith reportedly left behind her phone and medications at home. For eight months, no activity on her banking account was recorded.
No other details surrounding the crash that could have potentially caused her death have been revealed. However, the Oregon State Police didn't notice any "suspicious circumstances."
Family Reacts
PEOPLE reported that Smith's family strongly believed that if a Silver Alert had been issued for Evelyn, she would have survived. A Silver Alert reports when an elderly person, aged 60 or above, is missing or in danger. Sargeant Jermaine Walker, a public information officer for Washington State Patrol, stated that a Silver Alert was issued the very same day they received the request.
Evelyn Krystl Smith also suffered from bipolar disorder. When she became missing, she stopped taking her medication. Her niece, Sheri Lauritsen, shared a statement with PEOPLE, addressing her aunt's condition, her death, and the Silver Alert controversy.
"When a person is disabled and has medical and mental health issues, Silver Alerts should be activated immediately," Lauristen said. "The police taking the position that if a person doesn't want to be found then there is nothing they can do, and if she isn't a harm to herself or anyone else they can't do anything. A person with mental issues off their medications is a harm to themselves!"
A GoFundMe campaign was set up by Evelyn's family. Funds raised will cover transport to Oregon, cremation expenses, and service expenses, as well as supporting Evelyn's daughter, Jenny.
"The thought of what she endured haunts us, and now we face the painful process of bringing her home and giving her the dignity she deserves;" the GoFundMe reads.
