(Tok) - Rep. Carl Morgan's office (R-Aniak) has been in contact with the family of 85-year-old, Tabessa Gene, who has been missing from her home in Tetlin since Monday morning. More than 100 volunteers from Tetlin, Tanacross, Northway, Mentasta, and Tok are involved in the search.

Rep. Morgan says, "I am greatly concerned for her safety in light of the extreme cold temperatures. I realize her importance as an elder to the village, and what she brings to her family and community."

Family members say they don't exactly know the reason Tabessa Gene went outside, but think she may have gone for a walk or to collect bedding for the dogs. Temperatures have dipped as low as -40 in that area over the past two days. Tabessa Gene was last seen outside her residence at 8:30 a.m. Monday.

Rep. Morgan says, "I pray for her safe return, I pray for the family and the village." Family members say they are holding up but grow more and more concerned with her disappearance as temperatures continue to drop in the Tetlin area.

Alaska State Troopers have dispatched helicopters in their search efforts, but so far have turned up no leads. Troopers say Tabessa Gene will be put on the Missing Persons Clearinghouse list today.

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