The Agony of the Search: Urgency for Missing Senior

The hearts of the communities across Johnston, Wake, Harnett, Nash, Wayne, and Wilson Counties in North Carolina are heavy with fear and focused attention on the desperate search for Linda Roach Airington. The 77-year-old resident of Middlesex (Johnston County) has been missing since Thursday night, November 6, 2025, and is the subject of an urgent Silver Alert. Linda suffers from Alzheimer’s and dementia, a condition that renders her unable to care for herself or navigate safely, turning this search into a terrifying race against time and the elements.

The Shock of the Vulnerability: Unshod in the Cold

Linda Airington was last seen leaving a gas station in Wake County, wearing gray sweatpants and a flannel shirt, and critically, she is believed to be unlikely to be wearing any shoes. Her vulnerability is extreme, making every hour that passes exponentially more dangerous. This situation represents a shocking and heartbreaking nightmare for her family, who are battling not only the fear for her immediate safety but the immense grief of knowing their loved one is lost and confused due to her medical condition. The entire community is left grappling with the terrifying reality that a cherished elder, already struggling with the cognitive burdens of Alzheimer’s, is alone and exposed. Every detail—from her description (5’3”, 140 lbs, gray hair, blue eyes) to her likely disoriented state—is being urgently shared in the desperate hope that a concerned citizen will spot her before tragedy strikes.

An Anchor in Community: Calling All Eyes on Central NC

In the face of this absolute crisis, the focus of every resident in the affected counties must be on supporting the search effort. The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office has mobilized teams, but the vastness of the search area requires the collective effort of every citizen. To truly support Linda Airington and her family is to be vigilant: checking sheds, garages, and wooded areas, and calling in any potential sighting immediately. The family’s only hope rests on the eyes and vigilance of the community. If Linda is found, citizens are urged to call 911 or Devonta Thorne at the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office at (919) 989-5000 immediately. May the collective effort, prayers, and deep compassion of Central North Carolina bring Linda safely home to her loved ones.