Final Patricia Search Update

I leave the final word (see below) on the search for Patricia to her daughter Murphy who has led the search effort tirelessly. The page referred to in the update below is the Help Find Pattie GoFundMe Page

Any further blog update will be made if and when Patricia’s family receives full closure regarding Patricia’s disappearance.

Having reflected on this a fair amount...I realize that personal closure for me can only come by recognizing and treasuring positives. Two memorable events in particular. The first was certainly initiated by Patricia...sit down interview with the Japanese Film Documentary crew. I thank 🙏 Patricia for that and for ensuing fun that everyone had... Paulo, me, Patricia and the Japanese Documentary film crew. A fond memory...which subsequently transformed into an ever growing story...

Look at the smiling faces around the table!

The second event, while clearly a real struggle to turn into something positive, was the message Patricia sent to me as she stated “I am going to become a Dual Pilgrim like you 🙂”. Somehow as she set off on this walk she remembered our little conversation...and let me know.

Again the huge smile as Patricia set off on Kumano Kodo

"Today

by Murphy Murad, Organizer

27 days.

It has been 27 days since my mom, Patricia Wu-Murad, went missing. 

Based on the information we know, all high probability areas have been searched and we still have no leads. 

Tomorrow is the last day the police will be utilizing resources from surrounding prefectures and going all out on search and rescue efforts.

Our second group of US search and rescue experts left yesterday and we currently do not have the funds to bring in another. 

Whilst the local community has been gracious to us, offering discounts when they can, accommodation is charged by number of people, not number of rooms. Additionally, heavy rain is expected from May 6-8, meaning we wouldn’t be able to fly our drones and our SAR teams won’t be able to explore hazardous areas off trail. For these reasons, and many others, myself, Dad, Brother, and close friend have all decided to leave Japan.

As heartbreaking of a decision as this was, we agreed any remaining funds should be used to employ Mountain Works for as long as possible instead of losing hundreds each day to accommodate our stay. As badly as we wanted to help, we are not trained in SAR. We need to be able to keep these skilled experts on the ground to give us any hope in finding her. 

Now let me be clear, WE ARE NOT GIVING UP. My dad and I will be stationed in Singapore, less than 6hrs by flight incase we are needed right away. We have local volunteers still searching on the family’s behalf. We have specialists from our first US search team offering logistical support. We will stay in contact with our local SAR team, the Japanese police, and government officials to make sure everyone remains involved. 

We still need you. We need this inspiring community to continue spreading awareness and sharing our story. We know so many of you have already donated but my family and I humbly ask for you to continue sharing this page. Thank you for having our backs and giving us the strength to continue fighting."