MARIETTA, Ga. — An assisted living facility in Marietta said it was "deeply saddened" on Tuesday after a missing 89-year-old resident was found dead the day before.
Greenwood Place in Marietta said in a statement to 11Alive's Molly Oak that "our hearts go out to the family" of Patricia Miele, who was found in a creek at Kennesaw Memorial Park a half mile from the facility.
A statement expressed "our deepest sympathies," but it did not go into details about how Miele, who was said to be hearing impaired and "exhibiting signs of confusion and may be disoriented," left the facility. She had been missing since last Friday night.
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"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," Greenwood Place Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications Diana Ferrante Thies said in the statement.
The full statement is available at the bottom of this story.
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 the Kennesaw Memorial Park creek.
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 a person is found dead.
They will also be looking into the facility where she walked away. 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.
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.
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.
Full Greenwood Place 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.