Full Notification

ATHENS, MICHIGAN – November 9, 2026 – The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP) Tribal Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating Elizabeth Hinchman, a missing endangered senior who was last seen in the Village of Athens, Michigan. 

At approximately 4:30 p.m. on November 9, 2026, Hinchman left her residence in the Village of Athens to go for a walk and did not return. Her disappearance was reported to NHBP Tribal Police at approximately 8:45 p.m.

An extensive search was immediately initiated, involving NHBP Tribal Police and numerous assisting agencies, including the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office, Branch County Sheriff's Office, Battle Creek Police Department, Michigan State Police, Michigan State Police Aviation Unit, and Athens Township Fire Department.

Search efforts included multiple tracking K-9 teams, with assistance from Bluewater K9 Search and Rescue, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), unmanned aircraft systems (UAS/drones), a Michigan State Police helicopter, and extensive ground searches.

Dozens of Athens residents also responded to the alert, leaving their homes to assist law enforcement and emergency responders in searching the surrounding area.  Despite approximately five hours of coordinated search efforts, Hinchman has not been located.

MISSING PERSON INFORMATION
Name: Elizabeth Hinchman
Age: 84
Height: 5’02”
Weight: 125
Eye Color: Green
Hair Color: Grey
Last Seen: November 9, 2026, at approximately 4:30 p.m.
Last Known Location: Village of Athens, Michigan out for a walk.
Clothing: Dark-colored pants, green hooded sweatshirt, and possibly a tan gardening hat
Medical Concerns: Hinchman suffers from dementia and a cardiac health condition that may place her at increased risk.

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE REQUESTED

Anyone who has seen Elizabeth Hinchman or has information regarding her whereabouts is urged to call 911 immediately.
Residents in and around the Village of Athens are encouraged to check their properties, outbuildings, garages, and available security camera footage for any information that may assist investigators. Please do not enter hazardous areas or conduct searches that could place yourself or others at risk.

Hinchman has, in the past, rested from her walks by entering the porches of area residences and businesses.

The NHBP Tribal Police Department extends its sincere appreciation to the numerous law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, search and rescue personnel, and Athens community members who have assisted in the search.

Your assistance is critically important in helping Elizabeth Hinchman home safely.

IF SEEN, PLEASE CONTACT 911 IMMEDIATELY
 

Instructions:

If located contact 911