Maury Mountains Rescue: Crook County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue locates missing woman
Kelsey Merison
CROOK COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — A missing Oregon woman has been safely located and reunited with family after being reported missing in the Maury Mountains last week.
On Friday, August 15th, Crook County 911 dispatch was notified of a missing rock hunter in the Maury Mountains, officials said in a recent press release.
The missing person was identified as Valeria Puk, a 65-year-old woman from West Linn, who was last seen around 11:00 a.m. by her husband, who reported her missing when she failed to return.
The Crook County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) team was immediately activated and deployed several resources, including ATV’s, horseback searchers, and a K-9 team.
The teams continued to search through the night. The weather remained stable through the night, but rain began early the following morning.
The Deschutes County SAR team was called to assist, contributing 11 search and rescue members and two K-9 teams.
Valeria was located at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 16th. She was found exhausted and dehydrated, but otherwise healthy and safe. She has since been reunited with her family.
Below is the full press release from CCSO:
“On Friday, August 15, 2025, Crook County 911 Dispatch was notified of a missing rock hunter in the Maury Mountains, near Forest Road 16. The missing person, Valeria Puk, a 65-year-old woman from West Linn, OR, was last seen around 11:00 a.m. by her husband, who reported her missing when she failed to return. The Crook County Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue (SAR) team was immediately activated and deployed with the following resources:
· 18 SAR members
· 4 ATVs
· 1 Polaris Ranger
· 2 Mounted Searchers (on horseback)
· 1 K9 team
Additionally, a drone team from the Prineville Police Department and 5 Forest Service firefighters responded to assist in the search.
Search teams began operations focusing on the last known location and probable travel paths based on the rugged and heavily wooded terrain, which included several nearby water sources. The teams continued to search through the night, completing grid areas. The weather remained stable through the night, but rain began early the following morning. The Deschutes County SAR team was called to assist, contributing 11 SAR members and 2 K9 teams.
Valeria Puk was located at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 16. She was found exhausted and dehydrated, but otherwise healthy and safe. She has since been reunited with her family.
We want to remind everyone to have a plan and carry the necessary resources when exploring natural areas. Always inform someone of your destination and expected return time, and stick to planned routes. If you become lost, it is safest to stay put, as moving can lead you farther from search efforts.
Crook County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Prineville Police Department, Forest Service, and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue for assisting in the search.”