A 70-year-old Georgia woman suffering from Alzheimer's and dementia, who disappeared while her family believed she was outside smoking, has been found deceased in a local lake. Joanne Howell was last seen at her Ellenwood home late Friday afternoon. Her body was discovered three days later in Misty Lake, a small body of water located a short distance from her residence.

Authorities stated that it appears Howell wandered away from her home and subsequently drowned. However, the exact circumstances of how she reached the lake remain unclear, as her family noted her mobility was significantly limited due to rheumatoid arthritis and two hip replacement surgeries. Her daughter indicated that Howell typically did not walk further than the end of their street.

IMAGE2

Howell's disappearance prompted the issuance of a Mattie's Call, Georgia's emergency alert system for missing elderly or disabled individuals, on Saturday. Family members conducted searches throughout the weekend without success.

IMAGE1 Howell's disappearance prompted a Mattie’s Call to be issued - Georgia’s emergency alert system for missing disabled or elderly people

On Monday morning, DeKalb County Police responded to reports of a body in Misty Lake. Fire crews and crime scene tape were observed near the private lake, with water rescue teams entering the water. The medical examiner arrived later that morning, and authorities confirmed the body was Howell around noon.

IMAGE8 Around 7am, neighbors said they saw fire crews and crime scene tape set up near the private lake behind their homes

An official cause of death is pending as the investigation continues. Neighbors expressed shock, with one resident noting the unpredictability of such events. Howell, described as 5-foot-4 and weighing 134 pounds, was last seen wearing a pink bonnet with black dreadlocks and a white shirt.

IMAGE6 Howell, who suffered from Alzheimer’s and dementia, was found dead in nearby Misty Lake - a small, private body of water

IMAGE7 It remains unclear how Howell made her way to the lake, as loved ones said her mobility was severely limited by rheumatoid arthritis and two total hip replacements

IMAGE3 Howell was last seen at her Ellenwood home late Friday afternoon, when family members believed she had stepped outside to smoke a cigarette

IMAGE5 Police said it appeared Howell had wandered away from her home before drowning in the lake

IMAGE4 An official cause of death has yet to be determined at this time as the investigation remains ongoing

Family members expressed gratitude for the community's support during their search and grieving process. A statement shared on behalf of Howell's daughter thanked those who prayed, shared information, and offered support, asking for privacy during their time of loss.