The body of an 84-year-old woman who went missing in April was discovered in a submerged car earlier this month, authorities confirmed.
Sara Padgett was reported missing on April 10 to the Shelbyville Police Department in Tennessee, roughly a week after her landlord last saw her on April 2, the department told PEOPLE. At the time, police said she might have been traveling in a blue Nissan Sentra.
More than four months later, on Wednesday, Aug. 27, police provided an update. Their statement noted that the department’s digital forensic unit directed a nonprofit sonar and dive search-and-recovery group to Normandy Lake, the last known location her cellphone had pinged.
It was there that Doug Bishop with United Search Corps located a submerged vehicle bearing Padgett’s license plate.
“A body was recovered inside the vehicle and has been transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office for positive identification,” the Shelbyville Police Department said.
Police confirmed the positive identification on Thursday, Aug. 28.
“Throughout this investigation, our officers and partnering agencies have worked to locate Mrs. Padgett and bring answers to her loved ones,” the department said. “While this is not the outcome we had hoped for, we are grateful to be able to provide closure to her family and friends.”
When the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation initially reported her disappearance, it noted that Padgett “had a medical condition that may impair her ability to return safely without assistance.” Authorities have not disclosed the specific condition, and it remains unclear how she ended up in the water. No foul play is suspected.
“We understand that Mrs. Padgett was a beloved member of our community, and her loss will be felt by many,” the department added. “Our heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to her family and friends. We ask that the community keep them in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
