A tragic discovery unfolded in Searcy, Arkansas, this past Sunday evening, culminating in the recovery of a local woman’s body less than a day after her vehicle was found submerged in Departee Creek. The White County Sheriff’s Office received an initial report at approximately 5:45 p.m. regarding a car that had plunged into the creek near Bradford. Responding swiftly to the scene, authorities initiated a search that would span nearly 24 hours before yielding a somber outcome.
Swift Response and Initial Investigation
Upon arrival, deputies from the White County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Bradford Fire Department, quickly entered the water to assess the situation. Lieutenant Scott Seiders of the Sheriff’s office described the initial findings, noting that the vehicle appeared to have been deliberately driven into the creek. “The ignition was in the on position. It was in drive, the window was down. Indicators that it was driven into the river and that someone got out,” Seiders stated.
The vehicle was not completely submerged due to debris at the bottom of the creek, which propped up the rear of the car. This fortunate circumstance allowed Captain Clayton Edwards and his team to identify the license plate, a crucial step in tracing the vehicle’s ownership. “It was sticking out of the water where we could see the license plate. We were able to run it and determine who the owner was,” Edwards explained.
Search and Recovery
The owner was identified as Leigh Ann Moore, a 37-year-old mother. Following the identification, authorities attempted to contact her family and checked her residence, but there was no immediate sign of Ms. Moore. The search efforts were intensified, involving multiple units and a thorough sweep of the surrounding area. Tragically, Ms. Moore’s body was discovered a few hundred yards downstream from the boat launch where the vehicle was found.
Preliminary Findings and Ongoing Investigation
While the circumstances surrounding Ms. Moore’s death are still under official review, Lieutenant Seiders indicated that preliminary assessments suggest the cause was related to cold-weather exposure. “We do believe that she died of a cold-weather injury and that there is no foul play,” Seiders said. However, he emphasized that the case remains open until a final determination is made by the medical examiner. Ms. Moore’s body was transported to the medical examiner’s office for a comprehensive autopsy.
Tributes and Community Support
As the investigation continues, friends and family are remembering Leigh Ann Moore. Tifani Holt, a former co-worker and close friend, shared heartfelt memories of Ms. Moore. “We would talk about stories about our son, the journeys we’ve been on, and her parents. She was a beautiful human being,” Holt said, reflecting on their shared experiences.
Holt recounted how she and Ms. Moore initially met and worked together at a now-closed local restaurant called “The Mixing Bowl.” Their relationship wasn’t immediately harmonious, with Holt humorously noting, “There was no room for two redheads, she thought. So we butted heads at first, and then we became really best friends on our journey in life.”
Holt also spoke about Ms. Moore’s life in Searcy, noting that she had moved from Pocahontas and established a life for herself. Places like Art Alley in Searcy held significance for Ms. Moore, representing spaces for personal growth and healing. “That’s like when you grow, and you like heal, and you’re on a journey, the little things like this are very important to people like me and her,” Holt explained.
In Ms. Moore’s hometown of Pocahontas, a local eatery, Dora’s Sale Barn Cafe, has initiated a donation drive to help cover funeral service costs for Ms. Moore. This gesture highlights the impact Ms. Moore had on those around her and the desire within the community to offer support during this difficult time. The loss of Ms. Moore has deeply affected her loved ones and the communities she was a part of.
