TENNESSEE — Nearly five months after she was last seen, Shelbyville authorities have confirmed the death of 84-year-old Sara Padgett. Her vehicle was discovered underwater with a body inside.
Padgett was last seen by friends on April 4 and reported missing on April 10.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, which issued a Silver Alert on April 11, reported she was last seen in Shelbyville on April 2 driving a blue Nissan Sentra.
On Wednesday, Aug. 27, the Shelbyville Police Department said its Digital Forensic Unit directed nonprofit search-and-recovery group United Search Corps to Normandy Lake, following the location of Padgett’s last known cell phone ping.
Doug Bishop with United Search Corps discovered the submerged car. The vehicle was brought to the TBI for examination, and the body was transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office for identification.
On Thursday, Aug. 28, the TBI confirmed Padgett had been found dead in Coffee County, extending condolences to her family and friends.
The Shelbyville Police Department expressed gratitude to United Search Corps, the TBI, Coffee County authorities, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and the Tennessee Valley Authority Police for their assistance. No further details about the case have been released.
