Missing Delhi woman found alive

A missing Delhi woman has been found alive in an orchard, northwest of her home, the Merced County Sheriff's Department reported.

Charlene McCombs, 65, was found lying in the orchard around 1 p.m. Thursday and was in and out of consciousness, according to Deputy Tom MacKenzie, sheriff's spokesman. She was taken to Emanuel Medical Center in Turlock and her condition is unknown.

The sheriff's department conducted a large search for McCombs on Thursday morning.

McCombs went missing between 6 and 6:30 a.m. Wednesday from her house in the 9000 block of Merced Avenue in Delhi, according to MacKenzie.

McCombs was distraught and left her home after finding out her mother died. MacKenzie said McCombs has a medical condition and was considered "at risk."

McCombs' brother had informed her by phone of their mother's death. McCombs made some concerning statements before walking out the front door of her residence, leaving the door wide open.

Reporter Victor A. Patton can be reached at (209) 385-2431 or vpatton@mercedsun-star.com.