Body found in Lake Lanier identified as missing woman

GAINESVILLE, Ga. — A search of Lake Lanier that lasted more than a week ended in tragedy for the family of a missing woman.

Gainesville authorities had been looking for

since she was reported missing at Lanier Point Park last Wednesday. %

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Ruiz was with friends shortly before she was last seen running across a bridge toward the point.

Police recovered a woman's body Saturday afternoon.

Police told Channel 2’s Matt Johnson that boaters discovered the body off the shore of Lanier Point Park just before 4 p.m.

“It was located just off a point there, out in the open, somewhat into a cove,” police said.

Monday, police confirmed that the body was Ruiz.

"This is not the outcome we had hoped for, but hope this will bring closure and peace to the family," Sgt. Kevin Holbrook said.

Autopsy results indicate she died as a result of accidental drowning, police say. They say foul play is not suspected.

Cox Media Group