Sheffield, Vermont - October 4, 2010
In both Wheelock and Sheffield most everyone Monday had heard the news of the body found in the woods. Devastated was the word most people used to describe the discovery.
News of the found body was the talk of the afternoon at the Wheelock Village Store Monday. The store has been kind of a central meeting point during the search for Pat O'Hagan. Friends and neighbors crossing paths, sharing words and with news of the discovery -- a new feeling. "A lot of people are sad, scared," said one customer.
O'Hagan was involved in nearly every corner of the community through volunteer work. Her friend Bev Frost -- who shared some of the last pictures taken of O'Hagan at the Sheffield Field Days -- says if the body is indeed her friend, the town has been left with a hole that cannot be filled. "She was in everything. I don't know how we can exist without her," Frost said.
Even those who did not know the 78-year old grandmother as a friend knew of her. Marvin Deyo moved into Sheffield last November and O'Hagan made it a point to introduce herself. "Welcomed me to the community. Very super, nice lady," Deyo said.
The fear and sadness felt by this community is starting to mix with anger as people come to understand O'Hagan may not be coming back.
Bianca Slota - WCAX News
