A family member of Colleen Reid, who was found in her crashed vehicle after being reported missing, says the Dunedin grandmother is well and coherent.
Reid, who lives in Allanton, was reported missing yesterday after failing to arrive at Queenstown Airport to pick up a relative.
She was last known to be in the Cromwell area about 12.30pm, police said.
Nearly 24 hours after she was last seen, Reid was found in her car off the Gibbston Highway, known for its winding road around steep valleys, at 11.30am today.
Family member Lois Harris said she had spoken to Lakes Hospital staff, where Reid was transported via helicopter, just as Reid arrived at the hospital.
“[Staff] said that Colleen would ring me back later on, so she sounds quite coherent,” said Harris.
She said she was very relieved when she was notified by police that Reid was found safe.
Harris said Reid’s son and daughter, who are based in Australia, were already packing and preparing to arrive in New Zealand tonight.
A spokesman from Hato Hone St John said they sent an ambulance and a rapid response team to the scene.
"The crew assessed one patient at the scene, transporting them to Lakes District Hospital in a serious condition."
Gibbston Highway (State Highway 6) reopened shortly before 2pm.
Police have thanked members of the public for their help locating the woman.
- additional reporting NZ Herald
