What began as a search for a missing 77-year-old woman along the Hocking River in Lancaster on Friday ended in tragedy after responders recovered a body near Goodwin Avenue along with items believed to belong to her. Local officials say the investigation is still unfolding but stress there is no known danger to the public.
Search and Recovery on the Hocking River
Yesterday, in a Facebook post, the Lancaster Police Department said members of the department’s Detective Bureau, working with the Fairfield County Dive Team, searched a stretch of the Hocking River for 77-year-old Donna Granados. According to the post, searchers located items believed to be Granados’ and later recovered her body near Goodwin Avenue. The department also thanked community members who shared tips and assisted in the search effort.
Coroner, Dive Team and Next Steps
The Fairfield County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene to assist with the investigation and will oversee any additional examination. As outlined on its site, the office investigates sudden, unexpected, or suspicious deaths and can order an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death. Fairfield County emergency planning documents describe a Special Operations dive team that agencies can request to help with water searches and recoveries.
What Officials Are Asking
Investigators have not released further information about the circumstances surrounding Granados’ death and say updates will be shared as they become available. The Lancaster Police Department is asking anyone with information to contact its Detective Bureau. Non-emergency contact information is available on the Lancaster Police Department website.
Officials reiterated in the department’s post that there is no known danger to the public but cautioned that people in the Goodwin Avenue area may notice a larger-than-normal police presence while detectives continue their work.
