East Ridge woman found dead in water

Arkansas-Ole Miss Live Blog

East Ridge Police responded to Belvoir Hills Estates Thursday at about 6:50 p.m. on a call about a "possible drowning."

Police arrived at the apartments and found an elderly white female face down in about three to four inches of water on the back side of the building. East Ridge Fire Rescue and Lifeguard EMS, who also responded, were unable to find any signs of life in the victim, identified as Janet Bovell of 720 Bacon Trail.

Police believe Bovell died of natural causes and her body came to rest in the water, said Cpl. Robert Wade, spokesman for the ERPD.

Bovell was found by witnesses in the same way police found her, according to the police report.

Martha Berry, a neighbor of Bovell's, told police that the victim had called her at around 7 a.m. that day and told her that she had fallen and couldn't get up. Berry went to Bovell's apartment and provided assistance. According to Berry, the victim seemed to be doing better, though she said she attempted to call Bovell periodically through the day to check on her.

Catherine Bovell, the victim's daughter, appeared on the scene and told police that she had last spoken with her mother around 3 p.m., who sounded like she was doing better, and informed police that they had made plans for dinner.

According to the victim's daughter, Bovell had recently been discharged from the hospital after receiving treatment for pneumonia, and also dealt with other medical conditions such as depression and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

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