Published on January 14, 2026
Media Contact: Sgt. Eric Karp Public Information Officer KPDPIO@kirklandwa.gov Case/Incident # 26-736
Kirkland, WA – A Kirkland woman who was reported missing on January 8, 2026, was found alive the next morning at approximately 3 a.m. in a wooded area northeast of the Kingsgate neighborhood in Woodinville, Washington. In the early hours of January 9, two community members called 911 after hearing faint calls for help. The reported area was within several miles of where the woman was last seen. Thick fog in the area made it hard to see, so responders requested assistance from the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) and its drone (UAS) operator. Using the drone’s thermal camera, deputies located a heat signature in steep, heavily wooded terrain. Crews from Kirkland Police, KCSO, Kirkland Fire, and King County Search & Rescue then worked together to reach the woman and safely move her out of the woods, approximately 500 yards uphill from the nearest access point. Kirkland firefighters utilized specialized rescue equipment to assist with the extrication. She was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and later reunited with family. The Kirkland Police Department and Kirkland Fire Department extend their appreciation to the King County Sheriff’s Office, King County Search & Rescue teams, and the community members whose calls and quick actions helped bring this search to a safe outcome. The King County Sheriff's Office has shared a video of the rescue, which can be viewed here: Drone footage of a recent rescue in Woodinville.
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King County Lake Swimming Beach Data Program
Cross Kirkland Corridor Closures