The family of missing Christchurch woman Elisabeth Nicholls said they were “very saddened and relieved” after the discovery of a body in the search.
The 79-year-old was reported missing from the Margaret Stoddart Retirement Village on Barlett St in Riccarton after 6pm.
She had been admitted to respite care that day. She was last seen on CCTV footage at the Chateau on the Park in Riccarton shortly before 8pm.
Police held a media conference a week on from her disappearance, with Detective Sergeant Lucy Aldridge saying there were “grave concerns” for Nicholls’ wellbeing.
“We need your help to bring her home.”
Her husband of nearly 60 years, Gary Nicholls, said in a statement that the family was “deeply concerned” and had been living with “painful uncertainty” for a week.
Nicholls was described as an “adored wife, mother, grandmother, friend and colleague, who has always put others first”.
“Her life has been about helping people through nursing, Plunket, and social work. She has been there for people when they needed her help, and her influence has touched all of our lives for the better.”
Police then announced yesterday the search area had been narrowed following a possible sighting at the eastern end of Hagley Park at around 8.25pm on the night she went missing.
In a statement released through police today, Nicholls’ family said: “The family are very saddened and relieved Lis has been found.
“They are very grateful for everyone’s efforts looking for Lis, particularly the police and so many members of the Christchurch public. They would appreciate privacy at this difficult time.”
Detective Sergeant Luke Vaughan said that while formal identification was yet to take place, police believed it to be the body of the 79-year-old.
“Canterbury Police, along with Land Search and Rescue volunteers, have been scouring areas in the city working to locate Lis, and we hope today’s discovery will help provide some closure for her family and loved ones.
“Our thoughts are with them at this incredibly difficult time, and we thank the public and everyone who helped in the search for their efforts.”
The death will be referred to the coroner.
