JOHNSTON COUNTY, NC — The search for 77-year-old Linda Roach Airington, a missing woman from northern Johnston County, ended in heartbreak today after authorities confirmed her death. Airington had been missing since early Friday, Nov. 7, and was found deceased near the I-40/I-87 interchange in Wake County on Friday, Nov. 14. Her disappearance and the tragic outcome have left her family and the community in mourning.
What Happened:
Linda Roach Airington, who had been diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, was reported missing on Nov. 7 after being last seen in the early hours of that morning. Surveillance footage from Nov. 6 showed her at Murphy’s Gas Station in Smithfield, where she was seen getting into her gold Chevrolet S10 pickup truck. Shortly after, the truck was recorded traveling along Cleveland Road in the Garner area.
The search for Airington intensified after her pickup truck was found abandoned near the area where her body was eventually discovered. Tragically, after nearly a week of search efforts, Airington’s body was located in a wooded area near the interchange of Interstates 40 and 87 in Wake County on Nov. 14.
Who Was Linda Roach Airington:
Linda Roach Airington was a beloved resident of northern Johnston County. At 77 years old, she was known for her vibrant spirit despite the challenges she faced due to her cognitive impairments. Her family, friends, and community remember her as a kind, compassionate woman who had been battling the effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Her sudden disappearance has left a significant void in the hearts of those who knew her, and her tragic end has deeply affected her loved ones, particularly her husband, who also suffers from cognitive impairments.
The Search Efforts and Community Response:
The search for Airington was a collaborative effort between the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office and the Wake County Sheriff’s Office. Search teams worked tirelessly for nearly a week, following up on leads, including the discovery of her abandoned truck. Sadly, the search concluded with the discovery of her body, which has left the community devastated.
Authorities have not yet released details regarding the cause of her death, and the investigation continues. However, the emotional toll on her family and the community is evident, as search teams and residents mourn the loss of a cherished member of their community.
Public and Family Reactions:
Wake County Sheriff Willie Rowe expressed heartfelt condolences to Airington’s family, stating, “On behalf of the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, we extend our deepest condolences to Mrs. Airington’s loved ones. We ask the community to join us and the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office in offering prayers and support as they find comfort during this difficult time.”
The community has rallied behind the Airington family, offering support, prayers, and emotional comfort during this challenging time. The search for Linda Roach Airington and the tragic conclusion has highlighted the importance of community solidarity and the enduring strength of local ties in times of hardship.
What Happens Next:
The investigation into Airington’s death continues, with authorities working to determine the exact cause of her passing. Family, friends, and community members are left grappling with grief and attempting to find solace in one another as they remember Airington’s life and legacy.
Funeral arrangements are pending, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Closing line:
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
