The Georgia Bureau of Investigation continues its active inquiry into the death of Shelley Lynn Dietrich, 59, a resident of Murphy, North Carolina, whose body was discovered in Lake Chatuge. An upcoming autopsy is anticipated to provide crucial details regarding the circumstances of her passing.
Ms. Dietrich was found deceased in Lake Chatuge near a dock at Marina Station on Saturday, May 9, 2026, around 10:50 a.m. An unidentified boater reported the discovery to Towns County 911. Responding agencies included the Towns County Sheriff’s Office, EMS, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Ms. Dietrich was pronounced dead at the scene.
The GBI has classified the case as an active "water death" investigation. Her body has been transported to the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.