Helen Thompson, 81, was last seen on August 3, 2008, walking westbound on Capistrano Street near the ocean in Pismo Beach’s Shell Beach neighborhood. Walking that route to the shoreline was a daily routine for her. She lived alone with her cat and had dementia; she was known to become easily confused and had wandered off before and been found.

When she vanished she was wearing a tan trench coat, jeans, and a burgundy felt top hat. Adult Protective Services had offered assistance, which she declined because she believed she could manage on her own. An extensive search of the area turned up no sign of her, and the case remains unsolved with no new leads.

If anyone saw Helen around Capistrano Street on August 3, 2008, or has information that might help, please come forward.