EASLEY, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - The Anderson County Coroner’s Office reports that a body found in a submerged vehicle in Easley is that of a missing Greenville County woman.
Anderson County deputies said they received a call at 10:47 a.m. on Sunday in reference to a submerged vehicle near Alpen Road and West Church Road.
The coroner confirmed 54-year-old Shelia Rena Walker Thompson’s body was found in the vehicle.
Thompson was previously reported missing on Dec. 3 and was last seen in Simpsonville possibly driving a 2007 Kia Spectra with TAG:WFD-363, the Greenville Co. Sheriff’s Office said.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol said the Kia was traveling west on West Church Road when it went off the left side of the road, struck a tree and submerged three feet into the creek.
On Sunday, the coroner said Thompson drowned and that her death has been ruled accidental.
The coroner said Thompson appears to have lost control of her vehicle before it went off the side of the road and into the creek.
According to the coroner, Thompson’s family was searching in the area after receiving information that Thompson’s cellphone had “pinged” in the area.
The family was on scene when the vehicle was discovered by an individual helping them in the search.
This investigation is still ongoing.
Stay with FOX Carolina as we work to learn more.