Community ‘heartbroken’ after missing 69-year-old woman is found dead in Georgia woods
A 69-year-old woman with dementia who went missing on New Year’s Day has been found dead, according to Georgia authorities.
The body of Mattie Mizell was found on Thursday, Jan. 6, along a creek in a wooded area of north Georgia, the Cleveland Police Department said in a news release.
She was reported missing Jan. 1 after Mizell, who authorities said had dementia, left her home on foot and never returned. A Mattie’s Call, or emergency missing alert for people who are older or disabled, was also issued.
Police said they do not suspect foul play. Mizell’s remains were turned over to the White County Coroner’s Office.
“We are all saddened by the outcome; our thoughts and prayers are with the family,” Cleveland Police Chief Jeff Shoemaker said in a statement.
The department partnered with state and city agencies to find Mizell, according to the release. Tracking dogs, drones and other surveillance technology was used in hopes of finding the missing woman. Shoemaker also thanked members of the community who stepped in to help look for Mizell.
Mayor Josh Turner expressed sadness, saying the community was “heartbroken” by the news.
“On behalf of the City of Cleveland and our partners, I would like to extend sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Mizell family,” he said. “This is an incredibly difficult time for Mrs. Mizell’s family and the community.”
Mizell’s family has asked for privacy.
Cleveland is about 81 miles northeast of Atlanta.
This story was originally published January 7, 2022 at 1:42 PM with the headline "Community ‘heartbroken’ after missing 69-year-old woman is found dead in Georgia woods."