Local authorities have confirmed finding the body of a Cambridge City woman whose disappearance had been publicized this weekend with a statewide Silver Alert.
Henry County Sheriff’s Department led an investigation into the disappearance of Rhea “Joyce” Cash, 76, shortly after 9:30 a.m. Saturday. Cash lived in rural Henry County and had a Cambridge City address.
Cash had last been seen at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, wearing green pajamas. Authorities said in the Silver Alert that they believed she was in extreme danger and might require medical assistance.
A search for Cash ended at dark Saturday night, and continued at daybreak Sunday.
According to a news release from Major Jay Davis of the Henry County Sheriff’s Department, Cash’s body was found shortly after 8 a.m. Sunday in a ravine northeast of where her wrecked car was discovered Saturday.
Detectives from Henry County Sheriff’s Office, New Castle Police Department and Indiana State Police, along with Henry County Coroner’s Office, are conducting a death investigation. Davis said he expects an autopsy will be conduct within the next day or so to determine the cause and manner of Cash’s death.
Davis said Henry County Sheriff Ric McCorkle thanks all who assisted in the search, including members of the Indiana State Police, Indiana State Conservation Officers, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Rush County Sheriff’s Office, New Castle Police Department, volunteer fire departments from Cambridge City, Straughn, Lewisville, Spiceland, Mooreland and New Lisbon; members of the Midwest Search Dog Team, as well as several of Cash’s neighbors and friends.
Several methods were used to look for Cash, including ground searches on foot and all-terrain vehicle. Multiple K9 teams assisted. Air searches with drone and helicopter also were conducted.
Those with any additional information may contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Department at (765) 529-4901.