UPDATE: Mrs. Crews has been found safe. Police have not provided additional details.
HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- A Henrico man is desperately searching for his 67-year-old wife who disappeared on Wednesday, December 30.
Ed Crews said his wife, Margaret Crews, vanished from their West End home on Swinton Lane. He said he left for the gym while she wanted to stay home for virtual bible study.
“I came back at 8:30 a.m. and pulled into the driveway and her car was gone,” he stated.
Crews was last seen around 6:30 a.m. in a blue Toyota Prius with Virginia license plates – VEH-6650.
She left without her cell phone and there’s been no activity on her credit card in five days, according to her husband.
Crews said his wife has a history of depression that intensified during the pandemic.
“I knew the lockdown has been devastating for her as it has been for tens of thousands of Americans,” he explained. “The lockdowns are very, very hard for many people. It causes social isolation and is absolutely devastating what’s happening to people.”
Crews described Margaret as kind, loving and generous.
They celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary last month.
“Margaret I love you. You’ve been my best friend for 46 years. I want you to know you’re loved. I want you to know you’ve been safe. I want you to take care of yourself and get you home safe and sound,” Ed Crews said.
He urged families to notice sudden changes of behavior among relatives and friends with mental illness.
He encouraged people who have a mental illness to get exercise, eat healthily, have a sleeping regimen, and to reach out to others. Crews said he thought his wife was doing better around the holidays, but still unexpectedly left.
Kathy Harkey, the Executive Director at NAMI Virginia (National Alliance on Mental Illness), has detailed the characteristics associated with mental health concerns.
“The Coronavirus Pandemic has been extremely difficult for families in that it has created new mental health concerns and added to already existing mental health matters. Families should pay particular attention if a loved one is self-isolating, showing a change in eating or sleeping habits, displaying signs of anxiety, irritability, or very reserved behaviors, or displaying an increased amount of fear, worry, or difficulty concentrating,” Harkey explained.
Police said they believe Crews may be in need of medical attention or medications. Detectives are also investigating whether she left the state.
Anyone with information on her whereabouts should contact Henrico Police at 501-5000 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.
This is a developing story, so anyone with more information can email newstips@wtvr.com to send a tip.
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