MARION COUNTY, Ark. — A woman was found dead after her body was seen floating in Bull Shoals Lake in northern Marion County, Arkansas, on Thursday, April 11.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) says on their Facebook page that their deputies were sent to the Welcome Ridge boat launch area near Bull Shoals Lake at around 1:00 p.m. after nearby residents spotted a body floating just offshore of the lake.

Investigators recovered the body from the lake, which was sent to the Marion County Coroner’s Office. The body will then be transferred to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, where the Medical Examiner’s Office will perform an autopsy to figure out what caused the woman’s death.

After the body was recovered, investigators began their follow-up investigation into the incident, as officials conducted interviews and canvassed the area looking for any possible witnesses. A vehicle connected to the woman was also recovered from the boat launch ramp.

“I’ve never seen nothing like this happen here,” said Mark Bing, who owns a house near Bull Shoals Lake.

He said over the last 30 years, it has always been a nice place to stay.

“It’s mainly local people out here,” said Bing. “Everybody’s friendly, everybody’s good. The water’s great. It’s beautiful place down here, and it’s just peaceful.” 

Which is why he said hearing about a woman found dead in the water is shocking. People who live near the boat ramp said they have always felt safe in the area.

“I’m hoping it was just an accident,” said Donald Hayward, who has been in the area for 22 years. “I think she slipped and fell is what I think, because that ramps real slippery. I’ve slipped a couple of times myself going down there to the water.” 

A missing person report was then taken by investigators of a white female from out-of-state who had gone to the Welcome Ridge community area but had not been heard from since Wednesday, April 10.

The female’s identity is currently unknown, but investigators are seeking to obtain and confirm the identification of the woman.

“My prayers and thoughts are with the family,” Bing said. “And it’s just sad. It’s just a tragedy.” 

This is an ongoing investigation, and the MCSO will provide updates when new information is available.