Woman who disappeared in a car crash was found dead a quarter of a mile away

A woman who disappeared from the scene of a car crash in Indiana has been found dead more than a quarter-mile from the scene.

On Tuesday, December 3, the Wayne County Indiana Sheriff’s Office said in a press release that the body of 59-year-old Lorena Scott was found earlier that morning in a creek east of where she crashed her vehicle New Paris Pike crashed.

Officers had been searching for Scott after her vehicle – which was involved in a single-vehicle accident – was found unoccupied on November 30.

“Despite an initial area search involving multiple officers and a drone team, Ms. Scott was not located in the area of ​​the crash site,” authorities said.

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“A full investigation has been conducted into the disappearance of Mrs. Scott,” they continued. “This investigation included collaboration with the New Paris Police Department, interviewing family members, reviewing surveillance camera footage and financial records, and extensive media coverage and community support.”

After exhausting all leads, authorities decided to “expand and intensify” their search.

On Dec. 3, police reconducted their search with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources drone team and the Richmond Fire Department drone team. Scott was later found over a quarter mile away.

“No foul play is suspected and the cause of death remains under investigation,” authorities posted on Facebook.

“The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office conducted a thorough investigation and coordinated with multiple agencies to pursue all possible leads,” the release continued.

“We are deeply grateful to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the Richmond Fire Department, the New Paris Police Department and the Wayne County Coroner’s Office for their partnership and assistance in this case.”

Authorities also expressed their condolences to Scott’s family and asked the community to respect their loved ones’ privacy.