Disappearance from Cold Springs Road

Nine-year-old Joanne Washburn was reported missing early Thursday morning, March 5, after her parents discovered her bedroom empty at approximately 6:30 a.m. According to the family, Joanne was last seen at their home on Cold Springs Road at 6 p.m. the previous evening, Wednesday, March 4.

The situation grew increasingly dire when officials confirmed that Joanne never arrived for her classes at school in Trumansburg on Thursday, sparking immediate concern for her safety and wellbeing.

A Crucial Lead in the Early Hours

As investigators pieced together a timeline of the girl’s disappearance, a significant lead emerged. A witness reported seeing a child matching Joanne’s description walking north along Trumansburg Road at approximately 1 a.m. on Thursday. This sighting occurred seven hours after she was last seen by her family and five hours before she was discovered missing.

Physical Description and Identifying Markers

The Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office has released detailed information to assist the public in identifying the missing child:

• Name: Joanne Washburn

• Appearance: A white female with brown hair and hazel eyes.

• Height/Weight: Approximately 3 feet 5 inches tall, weighing around 70 pounds.

• Last Known Clothing: A blue jacket and gray-and-blue boots.

• Personal Items: She may be carrying a purple backpack featuring distinct yellow strings.

Ongoing Search Efforts

Since the initial report, multiple law enforcement agencies have converged on the Town of Ulysses. Search teams are currently combing the wooded areas and roadways near Trumansburg Road, utilizing all available resources to bring Joanne home safely.

Authorities are treating this case with the utmost urgency. “We are searching for answers and hoping for a safe return,” a spokesperson for the investigators stated, urging residents to check their property and any surveillance footage from Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

Call to Action

The Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information, or anyone who may have seen a child matching Joanne’s description, to contact their office immediately.