Investigators with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office say they believe 79-year-old Shirley Haith suffered a medical emergency and died not long after she left home last week. Haith was first reported missing on Friday and was found deceased on Thursday.

According to the sheriff’s office, deputies initially searched for Haith on roadways around her home but were unable to find her. They then expanded the boundaries of the search to include ponds, intersections and ditches. During one of these searches, the sheriff’s office says, a deputy located Haith’s Ford Contour car in a heavily vegetated area on an unmaintained former gravel road. The deputy found her body a short distance away.

Investigators say they believe Haith became disoriented, drove down the road and tried to turn around. When her car became stuck, she got out, walked a few yards and collapsed to the ground.

“We continue to offer our condolences and support to Mrs. Haith’s family and friends,” said Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood. “It comforts us to know that no foul play was involved in her death. I deeply appreciate the assistance [Orange County Emergency Services] Director [Kirby] Saunders provided. Obviously, we hoped for a different outcome but I could not be prouder of the hard work and tenacious efforts of my team.”

 

Featured image via Orange County Sheriff’s Office

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.

Related Stories
‹
Orange County Sheriff's Office Arrests, Charges Alleged Construction Material Thieves
After sharing photos of suspects in a theft investigation, the Orange County Sheriff's Office arrested and charged them on Wednesday.
Orange County Sheriff's Office: Sex Offender Arrested, Charged Over Child Porn
An Orange County resident and sex offender faces several counts of sexual exploitation of a minor following an investigation by North Carolina law enforcement and Orange County Sheriff's Office.
Orange County Reports First Fatality From Storm; Shelter Opens for Flood Victims
As the area continues assessing storm damage and waiting for high waters to recede, Orange County opened a public shelter at Smith Middle School.
Orange County Sheriff's Office Arrests Second Man in Connection to Break-In, Theft
The Orange County Sheriff's Office announced charges against two Rougemont men on Monday following an investigation into a residential break-in.
Orange County Sheriff's Office: 1 Arrested, 1 At Large After Attempted Burglary
A Durham man is wanted by local law enforcement after an attempted break-in and burglary of an Orange County business, a high-speed chase and car crash during the early hours of Thursday, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. A release Thursday afternoon said the office took out six felony warrants against 24-year-old Erlin Lopez […]
Orange County Sheriff's Office Investigating Discovery of Human Remains
Deputies with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office are investigating human remains found off Hawk Ridge Road Saturday afternoon. According to a release, a person walking a dog found the remains at approximately 2 p.m. near the road, which is located off Dodsons Crossroad west of Chapel Hill. Investigators and a medical examiner are working to […]
2,500-Person Party Leads to Numerous Calls, Charges for Orange County Property Owner
An Orange County property owner is facing numerous charges after a party on his land attended by more than 2,500 people led to underage, intoxicated revelers wandering through traffic and numerous calls for assistance. Dwight B. Poole, 60, is charged with six counts of aiding and abetting people under the age of 21 to consume […]
Orange County Sheriff Blackwood Appointed to Chair of North Carolina Governor's Crime Commission
After serving on the North Carolina Governor's Crime Commission for nearly eight years, Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood will now have the chance to lead the group.
Orange County Sheriff's Office: Carrboro Man Charged With 10 Counts of Child Sexual Exploitation
The Orange County Sheriff's Office announced charges against a Carrboro resident for the sexual exploitation of a minor Wednesday afternoon.
17-Year-Old Suspect Sought for Gunfire, Domestic Assault in Orange County Surrenders to Authorities
A 17-year-old wanted for a domestic violence incident involving gunfire turned himself in to the Orange County Magistrate’s Office on Monday.
›