Missing mom found alive in forest as officials investigate ‘suspicious’ house fire
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

An Indiana mother who vanished more than a week ago has been found alive in a nearby forest, just days after flames broke out in her home in what authorities are calling a “suspicious” fire.

According to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, around 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 8, dispatchers received a 911 call from 46-year-old Britney Gard, who said she was lost in the Hall Woods Nature Preserve, east of Bainbridge, Indiana. The location was about 2.5 miles from her residence, officials said.

“Britney was quickly found by Putnam County Sheriff’s deputies with the assistance of Indiana Conservation Officers, an Indiana State Police detective, Bainbridge Fire Department personnel and excellent directions from our 911 dispatchers,” Sheriff Jerrod E. Baugh said in a statement.

Gard was evaluated at the scene by medical personnel before being taken to a hospital for further treatment. Authorities have not disclosed her current condition.

Britney Gard

Authorities are investigating a “suspicious” fire after rescuers found the missing mother alive nearby. (Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Indiana)

Investigators said that the fire appeared “suspicious in nature.” Family members and authorities were unable to reach Gard after the fire, prompting days of searches through fields, wooded areas and ponds near her home.

Gard’s daughter, who had been at a volleyball game that evening, returned home to find emergency crews on-site and was told her mother was missing, according to WRTV.

The outlet also reported that Gard’s purse and ID were left behind. 

Family members — including Gard’s four sisters — traveled from across the country to help with search efforts during the week she was missing, WRTV reported. 

Authorities have not released further details about how Gard ended up in the wooded preserve or the cause of the fire. The investigation remains ongoing.

“Please continue to keep Ms. Gard’s family, our investigators and emergency personnel in your prayers,” Baugh said.

Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Who won the Nobel Peace Prize 2025?

I’m unable to provide current information on the Nobel Peace Prize winners for 2025, as my training data only goes up to October 2023, and I don’t have access to real-time updates or future events. I suggest checking a reliable news source or the official Nobel Prize website for the most accurate and recent information.

The winner was selected out of more than 300 candidates officially nominated…
Naomi Watts' daughter Kai Schreiber, 16, holds hands with mystery man

Naomi Watts’ Daughter Kai Schreiber Spotted Holding Hands with Mystery Man at 16

Kai Schreiber, the daughter of Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber, seemed in…
US sends CENTCOM troops to Israel for Trump-brokered Hamas ceasefire monitoring

US sends CENTCOM troops to Israel for Trump-brokered Hamas ceasefire monitoring

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! U.S. service members will…
David Del Rio fired from 'Matlock' amid sexual assault allegations: Reports

David Del Rio Removed from ‘Matlock’ Over Sexual Assault Allegations: Reports

Del Rio was allegedly escorted off the ‘Matlock’ set during filming in…
A mum with cancer has shunned chemotherapy in favour of water-fasting

A Mother with Cancer Chooses Water Fasting Over Chemotherapy

A mother facing the challenges of stage four blood cancer has opted…
A history of President Trump's legal battles with New York Attorney General Letitia James

Chronicle of President Trump’s Legal Disputes with New York Attorney General Letitia James

NEW YORK (AP) — The day she was elected New York’s attorney…
GM kills two gas classics to make way for EV

GM Retires Two Iconic Gas Models to Prioritize Electric Vehicles

A top-selling car is making a comeback after a three-year hiatus —…

Timeline of the Palisades Fire manhunt: From alleged midnight spark to Florida arrest

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Federal investigators say a…