PRESCOTT, Ariz. — An elderly couple reported missing Wednesday has been found safe after they spent two nights trapped in their vehicle on a snowy road in Yavapai County.
The granddaughter of Mike and Catherine Pena had reported them missing Wednesday, which prompted the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office to start searching for the Spring Valley couple.
YCSO said Thursday the Penas were found with their vehicle on an icy road along Senator Highway. The couple had driven to Palace Station on Tuesday and their truck got stuck in the snow on their drive back home.
The 77-year-old and 79-year-old spent two nights in their truck, conserving their fuel and supplies until a search team arrived, YCSO said.
The couple was airlifted out of the treacherous area and their dog, Daphnee the Dachshund, was driven home by volunteers. YCSO said no injuries were reported and the couple is doing well.
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What is the Valley?
“The Valley” is what locals call the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. It is considered the largest metropolitan area in the Southwest.
The Valley is made up of various major cities other than Phoenix, including:
- Mesa
- Chandler
- Scottsdale
- Tempe
- Glendale
- Surprise
- Peoria
- Gilbert
- El Mirage
- Avondale
- Litchfield Park
- Goodyear
- Buckeye
Whether a city is in the “East Valley” or “West Valley” depends on where it is in relation to Phoenix.
The cities of the Valley have a combined population of 4,845,832 people, according to the 2020 United States Census. This makes it the 11th largest metropolitan area in the country right behind the Boston and Atlanta areas.
