What is believed to be the body of a missing Tracy woman was found partially in the Platte River near Tracy mid-afternoon on Friday. Authorities announced the discovery around 3 p.m., shortly after a widespread search had begun.

The Tracy, Mo. Police Department and Platte County Sheriff’s Office had requested the public's help in locating a 75-year-old female, Esther Simmons, reported missing Thursday, June 7 at approximately 1:30 p.m. from her home in Tracy, located just west of Platte City.

When authorities announced she was missing, information indicated Mrs. Simmons is "5’ 0" tall, weighs 100 to 110 pounds, has straight grey short hair, brown eyes and has obvious and extensive facial bruising around the eyes and nose from a recent fall."

Mrs. Simmons was last seen at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday evening by a relative at her home. She was detected missing at 1:30 p.m. Thursday. Authorities said family members had indicated to them that Mrs. Simmons may have been in the early stages of Alzheimers disease.

Family members had said Mrs. Simmons does not drive nor had ever left without notifying a relative in the past. Earlier searches Thursday evening of Tracy and the surrounding areas had been unsuccessful in locating her.

For more on this story, see the print edition of The Landmark on Wednesday, June 13.