Missing Kittanning woman found dead along Allegheny River in Harrison
A woman reported missing by Kittanning police was found dead Sunday along the Allegheny River in Harrison.
The body of Kimberly Mead, 51, of Kittanning was discovered shortly before 3 p.m. on the riverbank along Pulaski Drive, according to the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office. She was pronounced dead at the scene about an hour later. A cause of death has not yet been determined.
Kittanning police had issued a plea on social media for help in their search for Mead. They said she was last seen shortly after 6:30 a.m. Friday walking south in the 1400 block of Orr Avenue.
Mead leaves behind three children: Gabriella Colligan of East Franklin, Vincent Mead of Buffalo Township, and Sophie Mead.
“I want the public to know that she was found but don’t want to go into specifics,” Colligan said.
Colligan said the search for her mother began Friday and the public came out to help.
“I would like to acknowledge the hard effort of the Kittanning Borough Police, specifically Chief Kenny Buzzard and Greensburg Police K9 Unit and other first responders,” Colligan said Monday.
“My mom really was a sweet and gentle spirit. She really loved people and the people she took care of. She will be loved and missed,” Colligan said.
Kimberly Mead was a graduate of Kittanning High School.
Mead’s children said their mother enjoyed spending time with animals, especially her dog Louie, and loved the outdoors.
Mead worked as a caretaker for 17 years, most recently at Evergreen Homes, a residential disability service provider in Kittanning.
A spokesperson for Evergreen Homes declined to comment or provide additional details.
Family friend August Shultz of Adams County grew up with Colligan and described Mead as “one of a kind.”
“She impacted every single person she came into contact with, no matter how long or brief of a moment it was,” Shultz said.
Kittanning police are investigating. Messages left for Buzzard at the Kittanning police department were not immediatley returned.
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