GBI Investigating Death After Woman Found in Lake Chatuge

HIAWASSEE, Ga. — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating the death of a North Carolina woman whose body was found in Lake Chatuge over the weekend.

According to the GBI, 59-year-old Shelley Lynn Dietrich, of Murphy, North Carolina, was found deceased in the water near the end of a dock at Marina Station on Lake Chatuge.

Authorities said Towns County 911 received a call at approximately 10:50 a.m. Saturday, May 9, from a boater reporting a woman in the water. Deputies with the Towns County Sheriff’s Office and EMS personnel responded to the scene, where the woman was later identified as Dietrich.

The Towns County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the GBI in the investigation. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is also assisting.

Dietrich’s body will be taken to the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the GBI Field Office in Cleveland at 706-348-4866. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, or by using the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

Emma Dunn

Recent Posts

Suspected DUI Driver Charged After Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Dahlonega

DAHLONEGA, Ga. — A 50-year-old man has been charged in connection with a weekend crash…

6 days ago

Gilmer County Fire/Rescue Receives Grant for 67 Firefighter Bailout Kits

GILMER COUNTY, Ga. - Gilmer County Fire/Rescue has been selected as a 2026 grant recipient…

6 days ago

Lumpkin County Crews Battle Multi-Story Structure Fire

LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. — Emergency crews responded to a structure fire Oct. 22 after heavy…

7 days ago

Man Arrested After Fleeing Deputies in Pickens County

PICKENS COUNTY, Ga. — A man wanted on felony charges in other jurisdictions was arrested…

7 days ago

Juvenile arrested after foot chase in Jackson County

JACKSON COUNTY, Ga. - A male juvenile was arrested in Jackson County following a brief…

7 days ago

Hartwell man arrested after deputies say he fled traffic stop at speeds over 85 mph

HART COUNTY, Ga. - A Hartwell man was arrested after deputies say he led authorities…

7 days ago