Possible sightings of missing Signal Mountain mother reported, authorities say

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Diane Nichols, the sister of missing Gail Palmgren, speaks at a press conference while Diane's husband, Dan, stands at her side, Tuesday afternoon at the Signal Mountain Community Center in Signal Mountain, Tenn. Nichols asked for cooperation in finding her the missing 44-year-old, and begged Gail to return to her family.

Investigators into the disappearance of Signal Mountain mother Gail Palmgren said they have had reports of possible sightings of her in the tri-state area.

At a press conference held today, however, authorities have said that, while some "have been credible," nothing has been "confirmed or substantiated."

Law enforcement is treating the disappearance as a missing persons case at this point, officials said.

Janice Atkinson, spokeswoman for the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, said foul play "is always a possibility."

Palmgren disappeared on April 30 and hasn't been seen or heard from since.

Palmgren's estranged husband, Matthew, and her sister, Diane Nichols, both spoke at the press conference.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Gail Palmgren was last seen driving a crimson-red Rubicon Jeep with a back tire cover that says "Life is Good" in the shape of a daisy and a personalized Alabama tag reading, "EAZY ST." She is 5 feet 8, weighs 135 pounds and has blond hair and brown eyes. Anyone with any information can contact Signal Mountain Police Department at 423-886-2124.

Directing a comment at her sister, Nichols said: "We love you, please come home."

For complete details, see tomorrow's Times Free Press.