Search Launched for Missing Long Beach Woman
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is seeking public help to locate 80-year-old Yanlin Gao.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Alzheimer’s
Authorities have requested assistance in finding Yanlin Gao, an 80-year-old woman who was last seen in Long Beach. Gao, who has a cognitive impairment, disappeared on the 4600 block of Los Coyotes Diagonal.
Why it matters
The search for Gao is urgent due to her cognitive impairment, which may affect her ability to return home safely or communicate her needs. Community involvement is essential to assist law enforcement in locating vulnerable individuals who go missing.
Gao stands 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighs 145 pounds. She was last seen wearing a black shirt, black pants, black shoes, and carrying a black backpack.
The players
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
This law enforcement agency is responsible for policing unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County and providing contract services to cities like Long Beach.
Yanlin Gao
She is the 80-year-old woman currently reported missing by the authorities.
The details
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is managing the investigation into the disappearance of Gao. Residents with any information regarding her location are encouraged to contact the LASD Missing Persons Unit or Crime Stoppers.
Timeline
Yanlin Gao was last seen on September 20, 2026, at 2:30 p.m.
The Sheriff's department requested public assistance on September 21, 2026.
Health Landscape
This search effort follows standard safety protocols established by the Alzheimer's Association for locating individuals with cognitive impairments. It highlights the critical need for rapid intervention when vulnerable patients go missing within a community.
Residents in the area should remain observant of their surroundings and report any sightings of an elderly Asian female matching the description to local authorities. Keeping an eye out for individuals who appear disoriented is a simple but effective way the community can support the investigation.
The takeaway
Families with elderly relatives who suffer from cognitive impairments should ensure their loved ones carry some form of identification. Rapid notification of law enforcement is the most critical step in ensuring the safety of those who have wandered away.
Further reading
For more information on the risks associated with cognitive decline, visit our Alzheimer’s section.
