Jean Taber, of Riverhead, who went missing along with her cocker spaniel Thursday, was found dead Sunday afternoon of what appeared to be natural causes in the pine barrens.
Taber, 82, of Riverhead was found at approximately 3:40 p.m. yesterday "in the rugged terrain of the David A. Sarnoff Pine Barrens Preserve" state police said in a news release.
The deceased suffered from mild dementia and had gone for a walk with her dog from the Riverwoods Mobile Home Park. The dog was found by her side and has been taken to a veterinarian an examination.
According to a story in Newsday "a security camera at the mobile home park where she lived showed Taber leaving on foot with her dog, said her daughter, Susan Duffin of Cutchogue. She was not carrying a purse or wearing a coat."
Newsday also wrote that Taber had bipolar disorder and had been unable to take her medications since she had gone missing. The family was concerned her ability to make decisions and find her way home may have been impaired from being unable to take her medications.
State police said in the news release the family wanted "to thank all of the agencies and volunteers for their efforts."
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