Body found in Richmond Lake believed to be that of missing woman

ABERDEEN, S.D. (Aberdeen American News) — Authorities found the body believed to be that of a missing woman Saturday afternoon in Richmond Lake.

The Aberdeen Police Department responded to a call at the lake about a suspicious object in the water near west bridge, according to a Facebook post on the department’s page.

Police and Brown County Dive Team conducted a search and confirmed there was a vehicle submerged in the water.

The vehicle matched the description of the Nancee Bitz, who had been missing since April 4, according to information from the police. There was a body inside the vehicle.

No foul play is suspected, according to authorities.

“It is believed that the body recovered is that of Nancee Bitz. The investigation is still ongoing and is being handled jointly by the Brown County Sheriff’s Office and Aberdeen Police Department,” police said on Facebook.

Authorities are waiting on dental records to confirm her identity.

Bitz, 72, was last seen on April 4, driving a white Mitsubishi Outlander.

Other responding agencies included the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks; the Brown County Sheriff’s Office; Brown County Emergency Management and the Brown County coroner’s office.

For more updates go to www.aberdeennews.com.