Missing Bridgewater Township woman found dead
A woman reported missing Saturday was found dead this afternoon in a wooded area behind her Bridgewater Township home, Washtenaw County sheriff's deputies said.
Investigators say they found no obvious signs of foul play. An autopsy has not yet been performed.
Anna-Maria Wheeker, 45, a mother of four, was found roughly a half-mile from her Kies Road home about 3:30 p.m., said Derrick Jackson, the sheriff department's director of community engagement. She was reported missing by her husband.
Anna-Maria Wheeker
Wheeker was a wilderness lover and enjoyed spending time in the woods, including camping overnight, police said.
Deputies, firefighters, farmers and other people fanned out near her home today as her family became increasingly concerned for her safety because of the cold weather, Jackson said.
Wheeker lives on about 20 acres, Jackson said. She has no known medical or mental health issues, he said.
Wheeker was last seen on Kies Road about 8:15 p.m. Saturday, deputies said. She was walking south toward Clinton Road.
Anyone with information can call the sheriff's confidential tip line at (734) 973-7711 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.
Comments
Jimmy Schiel
Sun, Jan 17, 2010 : 12:20 p.m.
I would like to thank the Sheriffs Dept., the Clinton, and Manchester Fire Depts. for aid in the search. I would also thank the local friends and nieghbors that responded. Many of these folks representent local Militia units, the Michigan Militia Corps and Hutaree. Please understand we train for this type of opperation several times a year. We have search and rescue dogs, ATV's, as well as well trained horse and riders. This is what we are about Public Service. Though the outcome was bad the working with county and township officials in a positive light was great. I would like to thank Jolea Mull Bridgewater township supervisor for asking us for help.
Salinemary
Thu, Jan 14, 2010 : 4:35 p.m.
God bless her and her family.
M.
Thu, Jan 14, 2010 : 1:55 p.m.
EyeHeartA2 - Just because there were no signs of foul play does not exclude the possibility that there was indeed foul play, and the police know this. Also, "anyone with any information" can be pretty broad, it doesn't specify to only call with info about foul play...someone who talked to her earlier in the day and said she was complaining of chest pains could call, someone who she complained to about a stalker, etc. (My examples are only examples to show my point. I am not suggesting that either of my examples apply to this case.)
DavidA
Thu, Jan 14, 2010 : 1:07 p.m.
Tru2Bku76: I am not interested in giving out personal information. However, I can say that it would not have been unusual for Ms. Wheeker to go out for a walk in the evening by herself. She was a deep thinker. The area is safe. A half mile is nothing. It is nearly a half mile to the end of my driveway. People who walk or run out here often go for miles. My sincere condolences go out to the family.
Lee Higgins
Thu, Jan 14, 2010 : 12:02 p.m.
According to the Washtenaw County Medical Examiner's Office, an autopsy will be conducted this afternoon.
miradee4
Thu, Jan 14, 2010 : 11:48 a.m.
I'll be thinking about her family and children.
KeepingItReal
Thu, Jan 14, 2010 : 10:34 a.m.
It is truly tragic to get this news and my sympathy goes out to the Wheeker family. We are never prepared to deal with situations like this but please pull together as a family and you will.
DavidA
Thu, Jan 14, 2010 : 10:12 a.m.
Anna-Maria was a lovely person who cared deeply about nature. She will be missed very much by everyone who knew her.
Top Cat
Thu, Jan 14, 2010 : 9:06 a.m.
Sorry to say that when I saw the article yesterday about her being missing, I got a feeling that this would not end well.
JustTheFax
Thu, Jan 14, 2010 : 8:59 a.m.
My condolences to the Wheeker family.
JGS
Thu, Jan 14, 2010 : 8:53 a.m.
This truly makes me sad. Four children left without a mother and a husband left without a wife and best friend. I lost my wife about a year ago and have young children. We are still reeling as this family will. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family.
Mike D.
Wed, Jan 13, 2010 : 11:33 p.m.
Very sad. R.I.P.
a_fan_of_the_captin
Wed, Jan 13, 2010 : 7:46 p.m.
I just wanted to say "good work" to the Militia unit that was activated upon a request locally. I was not a direct part of this situation, but pleased to see the system of communication and reliability between everyone working very well in this area.