North Georgia woman killed while walking near power lines

ELLIJAY, Ga. - Authorities in north Georgia are investigating the death of a woman who was apparently electrocuted by downed power lines after a storm.

Police say 19-year-old Stephanie Diaz of Ellijay walked outside after electricity went out at the home where she was babysitting on Wednesday afternoon.

Ellijay Police Chief Edward Lacey tells The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that a storm had toppled a tree, which caused power lines to fall. Investigators believe that the woman was electrocuted while walking on the wet ground, about 25 feet from downed power lines. A neighbor called 911 after seeing the woman on the ground.

Gilmer County Coroner Jerry Hensley said an autopsy will be conducted, but electrocution is believed to be the cause of death.

Ellijay is about 75 miles north of Atlanta.