Tuesday, November 10, 2026·Focal News

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Search for Missing 76-Year-Old West Barnstable Woman with Dementia Enters Fifth Day

Clare Fearon, 76, who has dementia, was last seen Thursday morning near Pine Street in West Barnstable. Police have deployed K9, dive, ground, and aerial teams across thousands of acres and are asking the public for surveillance footage.

Search for Missing 76-Year-Old West Barnstable Woman with Dementia Enters Fifth Day

BARNSTABLE — A large-scale search for a 76-year-old West Barnstable woman with dementia entered its fifth day Monday, with police and state agencies continuing to comb wooded areas and neighborhoods for any sign of her.

Clare Fearon was last seen around 10 a.m. Thursday near Pine Street in West Barnstable, according to Barnstable police. She was wearing black leggings, a long-sleeved blue shirt, and black shoes.

The search has drawn on K9 units, dive teams, ground crews, and aerial support. Between Thursday and Saturday, search teams covered roughly 1,513 acres on foot and 849 acres by drone, police said. Massachusetts State Police began aerial searches of the area on Sunday.

On Monday morning, K9 teams were concentrating on the areas of Church Street, Parker Road, and Pine Street in West Barnstable. Police asked residents and visitors to avoid those areas with their pets so as not to interfere with the search.

"The Barnstable Police Department remains committed to locating Clare and appreciates the continued support, cooperation, and assistance from the community," the department said in a Monday morning update.

The Barnstable Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, and the West Barnstable Fire Department have all participated in the effort. Police said searches will continue over the next few days, with updates provided as needed.

Investigators are asking anyone with information or surveillance footage from the area to contact police at 508-778-3874. They noted that even footage that may appear insignificant could contain valuable information and help establish Fearon's movements or identify potential witnesses.

Dementia-related wandering is a recurring concern for families and first responders on the Cape, where wooded terrain and scattered development can make searches difficult. Police have not said whether Fearon has wandered previously.

Community members with information are urged to call the Barnstable Police Department at 508-778-3874.

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