Police, public searching for missing Cary woman

Nancy Cooper, 34, of Wallsburg Court, went running at 7 a.m. Saturday but did not return home by 9 a.m. or meet friends later that morning as planned.

"That was a little odd," said neighbor Diana Duncan, who has known the mother of two since she moved from Canada. "She doesn't stand you up. She'll always call."

Duncan said that Cooper did not take her car, keys or identification when she went running.

Dozens of people turned out to join a search party from Lochmere Pavilion, at Kildaire Farm Road and Lochmere Drive, around 8 a.m. Sunday. They combed running trails and a golf course by foot and by bicycle, and volunteers plastered flyers with Cooper's picture on buildings and street signs.

Cary police officers said they have launched an all-out search for Cooper.

"Officers out here on foot, we've had a great number of those out here. We've had K9 out here," Capt. Michael Williams said. "We have had assistance from the National Guard that have flown routes for us in helicopters."

Cooper's running route was believed to be in the Lochmere Lake or the Regency Park areas. She was training for a half marathon and is a member of Lochmere Swim and Tennis Club.

"She has two beautiful little girls who I love so much," Duncan said. "We love her so much; we all do. We just have to keep looking on."

Cooper was described as a white woman, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing about 120 pounds. She has hazel eyes and brown hair that goes just past her shoulders.

She was last seen wearing a T-shirt, running shorts and light blue running shoes.