Crime & Safety
Samantha Willard Identified As 31-Year-Old Missing Richmond Woman
A NH Fish and Game K-9 search team located her in the woods near her home. Despite medical treatment, she passed away from injuries.
RICHMOND, NH — New Hampshire Fish and Game have released the identity of the 31-year-old woman who was last seen leaving her house on Thursday and was discovered Sunday morning by a K-9 search team.
The woman has been identified as Samantha Willard of Richmond.
"It is with heavy hearts that we reach out to you today to share the devastating news of the passing of our beloved sister, Samantha Willard," a GoFundMe page set up for the family stated. "She was not only a sister but a mother to seven children, a cherished daughter, a loving aunt, and a dear friend to many."
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Willard was last seen leaving her residence on Thursday afternoon and was reported missing on Saturday. She was located Sunday at about 10:45 a.m. by Fish and Game Officer James Benvenuti and K9 Cora.
She was located approximately one mile from her residence and was in critical condition, in need of serious medical attention, according to conservation officers.
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According to the Keene Sentinel, NH Fish and Game Col. Kevin Jordan said Willard was found barefoot, in “various stages of undress,” and had been outside for some time.
“Based on 30 years of experience doing this, when people get advanced hypothermia, it’s not unusual for them to start to unclothe,” Jordan explained.
A team of conservation officers and Richmond Fire Department personnel carried her in a litter a short distance to Route 119. An immediate request was made for a medical helicopter evacuation.
While waiting for the helicopter, she was treated by members of the Richmond Fire Department and the Cheshire EMS Ambulance.
The UMass Memorial LifeFlight helicopter arrived at the landing zone set up at the Richmond Fire Department at 11:35 a.m. She was then flown to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester.
Conservation officers said, "Unfortunately, she did not survive her cold weather injuries.”
New Hampshire State Police, Chesterfield Police, and the Cheshire County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch also assisted in the search.
