A teen who went missing from Lions Gate Hospital has been found hypothermic but alive in the Keithlynn area.
Milena Nordwell, 17, vanished from the North Vancouver hospital Tuesday evening wearing no shoes and only light hospital clothing. The disappearance touched off a massive police search, with authorities and caregivers concerned that Nordwells unspecified medical condition could make her a danger to herself, and the her inadequate clothing could put her at risk of exposure. She had last been seen near Grand Boulevard and 22nd Street.
On Wednesday afternoon, police announced that a tip from the public had led them to a forested area of Keithlynn, where an RCMP dog team soon tracked the teen down and led her back to safety.
Nordwell was taken back to Lions Gate where she is being treated for hypothermia.
The incident ended happily, but it was a close thing, said Sgt. Peter DeVries, a spokesman for the detachment.
"One more night exposed in this weather could have had tragic consequences for her," said Sgt. Peter DeVries, spokesperson for the North Vancouver RCMP.
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