Missing Nikiski woman found dead after Silver Alert

Alaska State Troopers say 64-year-old Sharon Eileen Berghone, reported missing this week, was found dead Thursday morning by a search team.

A statewide Silver Alert was issued Wednesday for Berghone, described as a vulnerable adult who used a walker and an oxygen tank, according to a trooper dispatch. A report of her disappearance was first given to Soldotna-based troopers just before 6 p.m. Tuesday, leading to the search that located her body.

"Shortly after the day's search for (Berghone) began, ground searchers found her remains in a wooded area within walking distance of her residence around 11 a.m.," troopers wrote. "Next of kin have been notified."

Neither an initial search of Berghone's property by troopers nor a subsequent one also involving Nikiski firefighters with search gear had been able to locate her. Troopers also spoke with her neighbors and contacted local hospitals and other agencies.

Troopers spokeswoman Megan Peters said Berghone's family first noticed that she was missing Monday, after church services Sunday.

"They went over there in the morning and they assumed that somebody from church must have picked her up," Peters said. "But after they hadn't heard anything from her they became concerned and contacted us."

Peters said Friday that it wasn't clear how Berghone had died, but troopers didn't find any indications that her death was suspicious.

"On scene, there were no obvious signs of foul play, but you have to wait for an autopsy," Peters said.

Berghone's remains will be sent to the state medical examiner's office.