Family speaks out after woman found dead in car submerged in Sweetwater Creek

PAULDING COUNTY, Ga. — Authorities said they have found the body of a woman reported missing in Paulding County.

The Paulding County sheriff’s office said 36-year-old Amanda Lindley was reported missing Wednesday after she didn’t show up for work at a convenience store in Douglas County around 3:30 a.m.

Later that day around 4:20 p.m., authorities received a call about a possible crash that happened in Sweetwater Creek, near 1823 Friendship Church Road in Douglasville.

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The caller, who was a family member of Lindley, told 911 operators they had been searching for her when they believe they found part of a car in the water that appeared to match hers.

Paulding County deputies and Paulding County Fire & Rescue units arrived a short time later and discovered evidence on the scene suggesting the possibility a car may have left the roadway and could be submerged in the rain-swollen creek.

Crews from Douglas, Carroll and Cobb counties helped in the search, and dive teams were able to reach the car in the river. At about 10 p.m., crews were able to identify that a person was dead inside the car.

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Once removed from the water, authorities preliminarily identified the victim as Lindley.

Lindley’s family told Channel 2′s Tom Regan that they believe she hit standing water from the storms earlier this week, lost control of her car and went off the road and into the creek.

“I’ve cried all that I can cry, I’m numb. A part of me is gone,” said Lindley’s sister Latonya Duke.

Duke says she was the last person to speak with her sister before she disappeared on her way to the convenience store they both work at.

“I got to my job and she wasn’t there. I looked at my boyfriend and said, ‘She’s not here,’ he said, ‘I know something ain’t right,’” said Duke.

The accident is currently under investigation by the Georgia State Patrol.

Authorities said so far, there is no suspicion of foul play involved in Lindley’s death. However, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation will be conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

“I am heartbroken for this family as they grieve the loss of their loved one.” Sheriff Gary Gulledge said. “I would also like to give my sincere thanks and appreciation to the men and women of the Paulding, Carroll, Douglas, and Cobb County Fire Departments for their bravery and determination to locate Ms. Lindley and give this family closure for such a tragic situation.”

The 36-year-old woman leaves behind six children and a grandchild.

“Everybody loved her and she is going to be really really missed,” Duke said of her sister she calls her best friend.

If interested in helping the family please click the highlighted link https://gofund.me/ea977538

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