At approximately 3:15 p.m. yesterday afternoon, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office’ helicopter rescue team located the vehicle belonging to 89 year-old Ethel O’Neil who has been missing since July 16. The vehicle, a 1987 Chevy Nova, was located in bushes off the 13400 block of 12th St NE in Lake Stevens. The flight crew investigated and found the occupant inside the vehicle to be deceased.

At this time, there is no identity of the occupant. The Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office will take custody of the body to make identification and notify family as well as establish cause and manner of death.

Everett Police detectives are assisting with the Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit death investigation.

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(Update #1 - July 22, 2014)
Ethel A. O’Neil, 89 years-old, has not been located and Everett Police needs the public’s help. O’Neil is listed with the Endangered Missing Person Advisory (EMPA) through the Washington State Patrol.

Community tips indicate O’Neil was last seen in the Lake Stevens / Marysville area on Wednesday afternoon where she asked for a map and directions back to Everett. Additional information indicates she was not in Thurston County (Olympia / Lacey) area over the weekend. Detectives are focusing on the Snohomish County area.

If you locate Ethel or have any information, please call 911.

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[Media Note: Ethel O’Neil’s son, Patrick O’Neil, is willing to interview with media. He can be reached via e-mail at: ethel_linda@comcast.net. Patrick will respond to inquiries. Everett Police will not be the intermediary for communication or setting up interviews.]

(Original Release - July 17, 2014)
EVERETT - The Everett Police Department is seeking the public’s help to locate an elderly female missing since yesterday.

At approximately 8:30 p.m. on July 16, 2014, Everett Police responded to the report of a missing elderly person. Family believe Ethel A. O’Neil, 89 years-old, drove herself to the Everett Mall at about 2:00 p.m. but never returned home. While she does not suffer from any serious medical conditions, O’Neil is showing early signs of dementia.

O’Neil drives a baby-blue colored 1987 Chevy Nova (WA-ADP6803) which has not been located.
Police have reason to believe O’Neil was in Thurston County yesterday at the intersection of Steilacoom Rd SE and Hawks Glen Dr SE in Thurston County.

If you locate Ethel or have any information, please call 911.