RAFU STAFF REPORT
Cathy Fujimoto,??? ?????? ??????? ??? ??????? 74, who was reported missing last week, has been found, her son Derek reported on Sunday.
According to a Silver Alert issued by the California Highway Patrol, Fujimoto was last seen on Sept. 19 in Mission Hills and was believed to be driving a 2009 Toyota Camry.
As a member of the San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center’s Meiji Ondo dancers, Fujimoto is a familiar face at Obon festivals, Nisei Week and other community events. Many individuals and groups, including Little Tokyo Dance Club, shared the alert on social media.
According to the son, Fujimoto and the vehicle were found near Bear Campground in Lake Hughes. A man and his friends found her on the ground about 10 yards from the car when they were looking for firewood.
“They made contact with her around 8:30-9:00 a.m. Sunday,” Derek Fujimoto said. “They asked if she needed help and she said yes. Fortunately, she has a phone book in her bag, so they called a few people … We drove up to meet with the ambulance at Sawmill Campground.
“Her face and abdomen are sunburned as she was lying on the ground for approximately two days.”
The Little Tokyo Dance Club posted, “Cathy is a little ‘beat up’ and sunburned as a result of being exposed to the elements for a length of time, but is in very good spirits.” The club said that she has been transferred to a medical facility for observation and recovery.
Derek Fujimoto posted, “Thank you for everyone’s help and prayers!”