An 80-year-old woman who went missing was found dead in a creek nearby in San Carlos City, Pangasinan hours after she left her home without telling anyone.

The victim, identified as Erlinda Torres, was last seen by her husband at around 5 a.m. in their home in Sitio Malay, Barangay Turac.

“Noong una, andyan sa loob ng bahay, naglilinis. Pagkatapos noon, walang sinabi sa akin na kahit ano, hindi pa nagpaalam. Noong puntahan ko siya, uuwi na ako, hindi ko na naabutan,” Juanito Torres, her husband, said.

By past 5 p.m. on the same day, barangay officials found her lifeless and floating in a creek not far from their house.

According to initial investigation by the police, Torres may have slipped and fallen accidentally into the creek while walking nearby.

“Medyo malaki po possibility na nadulas, and ganon din belief ng family side. Considering nga iyong edad, at saka iyong sa condition ng ating victim. Dahil under investigation, hindi pa rin tayo makapagsabi ng final conclusion regarding dito sa incident,” PMaj. Ramsey Ganaban, Deputy Chief of San Carlos City Police Station, said.

Authorities ruled out foul play and said the family also believes what happened was an accident.

Ganaban reminded the public to watch over elderly relatives closely, especially during the rainy season when slippery paths and waterways pose extra danger.

“Lalo na po at tag-ulan po ngayon, iwasan natin iyong medyo lumalapit sa mga rivers, body of waters or sa creek. At bantayan natin mga pamilya lalo na iyong mga vulnerable — iyong mga kabataan at iyong may mga edad,” he said.