St. Cloud police and rescue personnel recovered the body of a 63-year-old woman who was declared missing on Tuesday, after searching a local lake area through the night.
Elizabeth Mathis, 63, was reported missing on Tuesday, July 11, by family members who were concerned for her well-being.
After Mathis was reported missing, St. Cloud Police Department officers who were patrolling East Lake Tohopekaliga reported that they had found her vehicle parked in a city marina parking lot.
During the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 12, officials from the St. Cloud Fire Rescue, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission began searching the area. Multiple boats, helicopters, and airboats were brought in to assist with the search, which lasted over 10 hours.
At approximately 11:30 a.m., Mathis’ body was found just north of Chisholm Park, along the eastern portion of the lake.
Detectives and the local medical examiner’s office are working to determine the cause of death, according to a statement issued by SCPD.
The St. Cloud Marina boat ramp was reopened shortly after Mathis was found. The boat ramp had been closed all morning to clear the way for search and rescue teams.
Authorities say they are actively investigating the case and do not suspect any criminal act or foul play occurred.
If you have any information that may be useful to authorities during their search, please contact the St. Cloud Police Department at 407-891-6700.