Lael Grant (photo from Facebook)
The family of a Sitka woman reported missing in October is still hoping for answers about her disappearance.
Lael Grant, 33, was last seen by family on Oct. 14. An extensive search was launched, and her vehicle was eventually found along the Nelson Logging Road at the northern end of Sitka’s road system.
Grant’s older sister, Erika Grant Burkhouse, says in the initial weeks after Lael’s disappearance, a lot of tips came in to authorities. But in the more than four months since then, information has dwindled.
Burkhouse says the family continues to wish for a happy ending, but that above all, they just want to find out what happened.
“We don’t know,” she said. “We’re trying really hard to be hopeful, but we just don’t know. That’s the horrible part, not knowing.”
She says police and local authorities have worked hard, but that she also knows they’re busy with many cases. For the family, the last few months have meant a lot of waiting. Burkhouse says it’s taken its toll on Lael’s 10 and 13 year old sons.
“Sitka’s a very small town,” she said. “There have been a lot of rumors going around and the boys have heard those rumors. It’s absolutely horrible. I can’t say anything besides it’s horrible.”
Burkhouse says the Sitka School District has been extremely responsive to the family’s needs, and to helping Grant’s sons cope when they’re at school. And in the meantime, while the family waits for word on what happened, Burkhouse says they’re holding on to good memories.
“Lael is wonderful,” Burkhouse said. “She’s absolutely amazing, she has a heart of gold, she is thoughtful and a great mother, a great sister. Just amazing.”
Lael Grant has been missing since Oct. 14. Anyone with information about her disappearance is asked to call Sitka police at 907-747-3245.
