Heartbreaking Discovery and Details
Her body was found on Friday, Dec. 6, approximately 30 feet below the surface where the mine once stood. "During the course of the removal of dirt and sifting through things, we did find Elizabeth," said Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Steve Limani at a press conference. "She was about 12 feet southwest of where the original sinkhole occurred." Marguerite Fire Chief Scot Graham noted that machinery was used to extricate her body as it was not safe to send anyone down. The body is currently at the coroner's office, and an autopsy will determine the cause of death.Pollard was first reported missing by a relative in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Dec. 3, after she disappeared while looking for her missing cat. Her 5-year-old granddaughter was later found safe and asleep inside her vehicle. About 36 hours after she was reported missing, authorities shifted the search and rescue effort due to safety concerns. On Wednesday, Dec. 4, the search turned into a recovery effort as the condition of the mine changed.
At the Dec. 6 press conference, Limani said authorities believe that as the mine began to deteriorate and the sinkhole formed, it created a mound shaped like a Hershey's kiss. "When she fell through the shaft and landed on that mound, it appeared that she rolled or moved about 12 feet from where our initial spot was," he explained. This created difficulty for searchers as they had to determine her location based on the effects of gravity.
Community Response and Closure
Addressing community concerns about the sinkhole, authorities are working to put the dirt back, install a grout, and shore up the area. The recovery of Pollard's body has provided some closure for her loved ones. "I couldn't have been more happy for the family that we were able to find her because that was the only thing they were concerned with," Limani said. "They want to do what's right when it comes to memorializing her and having a viewing."Pollard's son, Axel Hayes, expressed his mixed emotions. "I am more happy that they found her, but not in the condition we were hoping for. We were hoping she had maybe fallen and hit her head and was maybe unconscious or in a coma and that it wouldn't come to this," he told The New York Times. Before her body was found, Hayes said they had prepared for the worst and appreciated everyone's hard work in the search.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.