The Athens community has been stricken with sadness following the news that Lillie Mae Wade, a 77-year-old woman reported missing since October 23, has been found dead. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department discovered her body around 1:30 p.m. on Monday in the area of Dairy Pak Road, a location where she had been seen shortly after leaving her residence last Friday.
FOX 5 Atlanta reports provided additional background, indicating that Wade was last spotted on Dairy Pak Road at about 6:20 p.m. on Friday. At the time, she was wearing dark blue jeans, a light blue short-sleeve shirt, and a gray long-sleeve shirt underneath. The search for Wade was a community-wide effort, with police appreciating "our community members and partner agencies for their assistance and support throughout this search," in a statement that they released.
An earlier report by Atlanta News First confirmed the disturbing end to the days-long search and highlighted the collaborative effort involved various local and state agencies working with the Athens police. Still, authorities have not yet released any information regarding the cause of Wade’s death.
In light of these tragic events, the police department expressed its condolences. "ACCPD expresses our condolences to the family and friends of Lillie Wade," read a part of the statement obtained by FOX 5 Atlanta. The community of Athens, mourning the loss, now waits for answers as investigators continue to piece together the events leading up to Wade’s untimely demise.
