MARIETTA, Ga. — An 89-year-old woman who had been missing from a Marietta assisted living facility since Friday night has been found dead.
Marietta Police said Patricia Miele left the Greenwood Place Assisted Living and Memory Care facility on Whitlock Avenue around 11 p.m. on Nov. 8. Police added that Miele was hearing impaired and was "exhibiting signs of confusion and may be disoriented."
Officers conducted full-scale searches over the weekend and asked nearby residents to check their cameras to locate Miele.
However, in a tragic update on Monday, police told 11Alive she was found floating in a creek at Kennesaw Memorial Park, just half a mile away from the assisted living facility.
According to Marietta Police, her body was found shortly after 11 a.m. by a couple walking in the area. Police added that the area had been searched multiple times, including by dive teams.
Authorities added that an investigation is currently underway, as is the case anytime an individual is found dead. They will also be looking into the facility where she walked away.
However, at this time, police said they do not suspect foul play, considering Miele's body was found just a few property lines west of the assisted living facility.
One of the things that authorities said made the search so difficult was the lack of cameras at the assisted living facility and in the surrounding area at large.
Despite the tragic update, police and Miele's family are expressing gratitude to all those in the community who pitched in to help with the search.
The facility said in a statement:
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of our assisted living residents at Greenwood Place and our hearts go out to the family with our deepest sympathies. At this time, due to the confidentiality and integrity of the investigation, as well as for the privacy of the residents, team members and family involved, we politely ask that you respect their privacy and we are unable to comment with further specifics. Please know, our onsite team remains completely dedicated to the service and care of our community members.
Thank you for your understanding during this time.