WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — Cleveland Police Chief Jeff Shoemaker issued the following statement Thursday:

Mattie Mizell, a 69 year old Cleveland woman who was reported missing on Saturday, was found deceased on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022.

Mizell went missing on Saturday, January 1, 2022 and was the subject of a recent Mattie’s Call and search in the Cleveland,  area. Police had asked the public to help find Mizell after she left a residence on foot and did not return home.

Her body was found Thursday evening along the edge of a creek in a densely wooded area. Foul play is not suspected; the deceased has been turned over to White County Coroner’s Office.

Searches included the use of tracking dogs, air units, drones and foot searches by multiple city, county, and state agencies. Surveillance video was obtained from multiple locations in an effort to narrow the search area.

Shoemaker said, “The police department would like to thank members of the community who assisted in the search. We are all saddened by the outcome; our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mrs. Mizell.”

The family has asked for the public to respect their privacy and will make no statements regarding the matter. Additionally, they will not be receiving visitors at this time. Anyone may contact the Cleveland Police Department at 706-348-7078.

Mayor Josh Turner said, “We are heartbroken with the outcome of this case. It is not the outcome anyone in our community was hoping for. On behalf of the City of Cleveland and our partners, I would like to extend sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Mizell family. This is an incredibly difficult time for Ms. Mizell’s family and the community.”