The body of a 93-year-old woman was recovered from a lake near her home in James City County, Virginia, after her family reported her missing, authorities said.

Hedwig Mainous was reported missing on Sunday, Sept. 13, prompting the James City County Police Department and other search teams to begin looking around her neighborhood.

Officers searched the area near her home on Queen Bishop Lane in the Lake Powell Forest neighborhood. Shortly before 3 p.m., authorities found Mainous unresponsive in a nearby lake.

Multiple search teams assisted in the recovery, including an underwater search and recovery unit. Police drones were also used during the operation.

Mainous was pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities. Her family told investigators that she regularly took walks around the neighborhood.

Police said the circumstances appeared to indicate an accidental death and that foul play was not suspected. However, the cause of death remained under investigation.

The Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Tidewater District, had not immediately responded to requests for additional information, according to PEOPLE.

Mainous was remembered by neighbors as a well-liked and caring member of the local community.

Betsy Ziskind, a friend and neighbor, said Mainous would sometimes visit her home and bring a small gift. Ziskind became concerned when she noticed that Mainous was not at home.

She said she went to Mainous’ house and knocked on the door, but no one answered. The dog also did not bark, which made her fear that something was wrong.

Neighbors and people who knew Mainous remained shocked by her death and were seeking answers about how she ended up in the lake.

SOURCE: PEOPLE, Sam Gillette, September 15, 2026.