Worried Neighbor Makes Tragic Discovery

A concerned neighbor who hadn't seen or heard from a woman in several days made a heartbreaking discovery after asking deputies to check on her well-being. Officers were dispatched after the neighbor reported she had been unable to contact the woman since June 30. According to the report, the neighbor regularly helped the woman by taking out her trash and picking up groceries because the woman rarely left her apartment. She told deputies the woman hadn't been outside in nearly five years. After repeated attempts to contact her by phone and at the front door went unanswered, deputies forced entry into the upstairs apartment. Inside, they found the woman lying face down on the floor beside her bed. According to the report, she showed signs that she had been deceased for some time. Paramedics responded to the residence and confirmed the woman had died. Investigators noted the apartment's air conditioning was still running despite the hot weather outside. The neighbor told deputies the woman did not regularly see a physician and was not known to take prescription medications. She also advised investigators that the woman's elderly mother lives nearby but suffers from dementia and would be unable to provide much information. The woman's daughter reportedly lives in North Carolina, and the neighbor said she was attempting to contact her through Facebook. The Lawrence County Coroner's Office was notified of the death investigation. After receiving information from deputies, the coroner's investigator authorized the release of the body to Hall Funeral Home. At this time, authorities have not indicated that foul play is suspected. Why Welfare Checks Matter Law enforcement officers routinely conduct welfare checks when family members, neighbors, or friends become concerned that someone has suddenly stopped answering calls or hasn't been seen for several days. Many of these calls end with someone simply needing assistance. Unfortunately, others lead to the discovery of a medical emergency or death that might otherwise have gone unnoticed for much longer. Authorities encourage residents—especially those living alone—to maintain regular contact with family, friends, or neighbors who can recognize when something may be wrong.

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