A 19-year-old woman who was reported missing after becoming separated from her father during a hike in Ellison Park has been found safe following an extensive overnight search, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
Emma Oppedisano was last seen around 8:30 p.m. Monday near Browncroft Boulevard and Old Browncroft Boulevard along the Penfield and Brighton town line. Authorities said she and her father had been hiking in the wooded area when he lost sight of her.
Emergency crews responded Monday evening and launched a large-scale search involving deputies, K9 teams, drones, and a New York State Police helicopter.
The search continued into the night before being suspended around 1 a.m. because of darkness. Search efforts resumed Tuesday morning with teams focusing on areas near Irondequoit Creek and the surrounding trails.
Officials said community members also played an important role by reporting possible sightings after the Sheriff’s Office shared information about the missing woman.
Mountain Biker Spots Missing Woman on Trail
The search came to a successful end at about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday when a mountain biker spotted Oppedisano while riding on a trail in the park.
According to Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Captain Matthew Kreuzer, the bicyclist had spoken with deputies earlier in the day and had been shown a photograph of Oppedisano. After recognizing her, the rider immediately contacted authorities and helped direct deputies to her location.
Captain Kreuzer praised the public for remaining alert throughout the search. He said investigators received numerous tips from residents during the day, although not every report led to her location. He noted that the mountain biker’s quick action ultimately helped bring the search to a safe conclusion.
After she was found, Oppedisano was transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation. Officials said she was later reunited with her family.
Authorities have not released additional details about what happened while she was missing, and the circumstances surrounding her disappearance remain under investigation.
The successful search highlighted the coordinated efforts of multiple emergency response agencies and the valuable assistance provided by members of the public. Investigators have not indicated whether any criminal activity is suspected, and no further information has been released as the investigation continues.
