State

Search continues for missing KS woman whose car was found at ranch in Cowley County

The car of missing Overland Park woman Jerry McConnell, 81, was found empty in Crowley County, Kansas. Authorities continue an active statewide search.
The car of missing Overland Park woman Jerry McConnell, 81, was found empty in Crowley County, Kansas. Authorities continue an active statewide search. Kansas Bureau of Investigation

The car of a missing 81-year-old Overland Park woman was found Tuesday, May 20, on a ranch in rural Cowley County.

A statewide silver alert was issuedMay 16, for Jerry McConnell, who was last seen May 14 in Harrisonville, Missouri, and was reportedly driving to her residence in Overland Park, the Kansas City Star reported.

McConnell was driving a gray 2009 Honda Accord with Texas license plate number RFP836, the Overland Park Police Department said in a news release.

Cowley County Sheriff’s Office deputies were notified at 3:41 p.m. Tuesday that McConnell’s Accord had been found in the 4000 block of 327th, a sheriff’s office media report shows.

No one was in the vehicle and multiple law enforcement agencies searched the area. The search continued Wednesday with no success.

The sheriff’s office, along with volunteers, began another search at 10 a.m. Thursday on the ranch.

McConnell is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs around 140 pounds. She has blue eyes and gray hair.

McConnell may have been seen near Severy, Kansas, about 2 1/2 hours south of Overland Park, on the afternoon of May 15, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

If you see Jerry McConnell, police urge you to call 911 immediately, or call the Overland Park Police Department at (913)-895-6300.

Contributing: Kendrick Calfee of the Kansas City Star.

This story was originally published May 22, 2025 at 1:54 PM.

Eduardo Castillo
The Wichita Eagle
Eduardo covers crime and breaking news for The Wichita Eagle. His previous work experience includes stints at KWCH 12 Eyewitness News, the local CBS affiliate in Wichita, and as a marketing manager for a local real estate team. In addition to writing, Eduardo also enjoys still photography and cinematography. News tips? email at Edcastillo@wichitaeagle.com or call 316-268-6213.
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