Search launched for missing Houston woman

Update (4 p.m. Friday) — A spokesman for the Alaska State Troopers said the search for Diana Pittser continued on New Year's Day with no sign of the missing 56-year-old from Houston.

Original story:

WASILLA — A Houston woman went for a walk along the Little Susitna in the Miller’s Reach area Tuesday night and hasn’t been seen since, authorities said Thursday.

Search and rescue teams and Alaska state troopers are on the lookout for Diana Pittser, 56, of Houston, last seen about 8 p.m. Dec. 29.

Friends and family briefly searched for Pittser in the area, but were unable to find her, according to a trooper press release. As many as 20 friends and family were still searching Thursday afternoon, and trying to stay positive, said Michelle Kowalski, Pittser’s soon-to-be daughter-in-law.The hope is that Pittser may have found a safe place to wait for rescue, Kowalski said.

A neighbor was the last person to see Pittser, Kowalski said.

“She was just coming out of her house and a friend had stopped by and she said she was going for a walk,” she said.

Trooper spokeswoman Beth Ipsen said Ipsen said the residence in question was a house along Backhaus Street in Houston.

Stephanie Pittser, Diana's daughter, said the circumstances surrounding her disappearance didn't indicate anything suspicious.

Troopers described Pittser as 5’9”, about 200 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes.

Anyone with additional information is asked to call 352-5401.

Here’s what troopers wrote about Pittser’s disappearance:

"On 12/30/15 at 1836 hours, Troopers received a report of a missing female from the Millers Reach area in Houston. The caller reported Diana Pittser (56 of Houston) had not been seen since 2000 hours on 12/29/15. An investigation showed Pittser left her house on foot to walk to a nearby river. Pittser only had a flashlight with her and no other survival equipment at the time. Friends and family searched for Pittser after she failed to return home, but were unable to find her. Members of MAT SAR Search and Rescue are conducting a ground search in the area. Pittser is approximately 5’9”, weighs about 200, has brown hair and blue eyes. She was reportedly last seen wearing grey sweats, tan and white sweater. Anyone with information on her whereabouts can call Troopers at 352-5401"