Ohio Tourist Who Went Missing Released From Hospital

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Ohio tourist who set off a citywide search earlier this week was released from the hospital Wednesday and is on her way back home.

As CBS 2's John Slattery reported, Vivian Minnielli, 61, suffers from early-onset Alzheimer's disease. She was found Monday after a 30-hour search by the NYPD and concerned citizens.

Her husband, Sam Minnielli, said he was impressed at the way the city banded together to help them.

"She knows she was gone and very apologetic and said, 'I'll never do that again,' he said.

Not feeling well Sunday, Vivian Minnielli stayed behind at the New York Hilton while her husband and granddaughter went sightseeing. When they returned that afternoon, they found the woman had wandered off.

CBS 2 reported on the woman's disappearance, and as CBS 2's Hazel Sanchez was speaking with the husband Monday evening, police showed up at the hotel to tell him Vivian Minnielli had been found safe.

Relieved, Sam Minnielli received hugs from the patrolman and sergeant who delivered the good news.

Police said they found the woman sleeping on a park bench on the Upper West Side.

"It was a member of the public, as a result of your efforts and everyone trying to get the word out," Sam Minnielli said.

Vivian Minnielli told Slattery she remembers walking away from the hotel, but doesn't know where she went.

She was treated for dehydration for two days at Roosevelt Hospital.

For her husband, profound concern turned into joy.

"The happiest day of my life," he said. " ... Boy, when you think you've lost your wife, getting her back is huge."

Sam Minnielli said, in addition to giving his wife full-time supervision, he plans to have her wear a tracking device.

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