PRESTON COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A missing West Virginia woman has been found dead.
According to the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office, on Saturday, November 4, 2023, multiple agencies participated in a search and rescue operation, searching for Melanie Marie Gardner in the Preston County area.
Gardner went missing from Monongalia County on October 3, 2023.
Based on an investigation conducted by the Monongalia County Detective Division, locations of interest were identified for a possible search to be conducted.
The search was coordinated by Preston County 911, Mountain Area Rescue Group, Preston County Sheriff’s Office and the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office.
During the search, Gardner’s vehicle was located in a remote location off of Casteel Road in the Hazelton, WV area. Gardner was positively identified and the Medical Examiner responded to the scene.
At this time, this is still an ongoing investigation, nothing further will be released.