More than 50 hours have passed since authorities believe Elizabeth Pollard vanished into a sinkhole above an abandoned mine in Unity, yet her family remains hopeful that she will be found alive.
Her niece, Tabitha Pollard, relayed a message Thursday on behalf of Pollard’s husband and son.
“They are still hoping for the best … and they really hope to find her alive,” she said at the search scene. “They are coping the best way that they can at this time with everything going on.”
Elizabeth Pollard, 64, of Unity, is believed to have fallen into a sinkhole that opened in a grassy area behind Monday’s Union Restaurant on Monday evening. She remained missing as of Thursday evening, and the search has changed from a rescue mission to a recovery operation.
The sinkhole opened at the site of the abandoned Marguerite Mine, which was last operated by H.C. Frick Coke Co. in 1952.
Investigators believe Pollard, 64, drove to the parking lot behind the restaurant, spoke with two hunters, handed them a flyer about her missing cat, Pepper, and walked into the adjacent field when a sinkhole opened beneath her. The cat has not been found.
Since Tabitha Pollard found out her aunt is missing, she’s been supporting her uncle and cousin.
“I know it’s a very hard situation,” she said. “I have been standing by their side since I have found out about it.”
The uncertainty of the search has been an emotional struggle for Tabitha Pollard, evoking a whirlwind of mixed emotions.
She said she’s hoping the whole ordeal is over soon.
“I have reached out for help myself to make it easier, so I’m there for them 100%,” she said. “I even took off work for a few days to deal with the situation.”
Pennsylvania State Police spokesman Trooper Steve Limani said digging will continue Friday.
Anyone who wants to provide donations in the form of money or supplies should deliver it in person to Monday’s Union Restaurant, the site of the sinkhole.
“Reach out to me,” Tabitha Pollard said. “A family member is normally here throughout the day.”
She said the family is grateful for the community’s support.
“We appreciate the prayers,” she said. “We want to thank everyone that has been involved in the search to help find our loved one.”