Peggy Ann Cottrell, 66 years old at the time, was reported missing from Marshalltown, Iowa, in May 2001. Cottrell resided at the Southridge Nursing Home in Marshalltown. On the evening of May 26, 2001, a relative dropped her off at the facility at approximately 6:30 p.m. Staff members reported that she was seen leaving the nursing home only minutes later. She has not been seen since.
Authorities believe Cottrell left the facility on her own. Family members stated that she was in good spirits that day and that she did not have a known history of dementia. However, she did require medication for unspecified physical or mental health conditions. Her last dose was administered at noon on the day she disappeared. Without her medication, Cottrell may have become confused or depressed.
At the time she went missing, Cottrell was described as a white female standing approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing about 167 pounds. She had black hair, brown eyes, pierced ears, and wore eyeglasses. She was last seen wearing a white sweater with a pink and blue design and dark-colored slacks. She may also use the last names Dickenson or Rowan.
Several weeks after her disappearance, a fisherman discovered Cottrell’s purse along the banks of the Iowa River. Her identification and cash were still inside. Despite extensive investigative efforts, authorities were unable to determine what happened to her or where she may have gone.
In a later interview, then–Marshalltown Police Chief Jack McAllister stated that investigators worked the case extensively but were unable to uncover answers. More than two decades later, Peggy Ann Cottrell’s disappearance remains unsolved.
Information Needed
Anyone with information about Peggy Ann Cottrell or her disappearance is urged to contact the Marshalltown Police Department at 641-754-5725. Even the smallest detail may help bring answers to this long-standing case.
