Neather Kelly Missing -The Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the community’s help in locating an elderly woman who has been reported missing in Bowman. Authorities say the situation is especially concerning due to recent severe weather conditions in the area.
According to officials, 94-year-old Neather Kelly was last seen Sunday night during Winter Storm Fern. Family members and law enforcement became worried after she did not return home and could not be reached. Deputies later located her vehicle, which was found unattended in a ditch along the 700 block of Magnolia Street in Bowman.
Investigators believe the vehicle may have entered the ditch sometime between 10:30 and 11:30 p.m. on Sunday. At this time, it is unclear what happened after that point, and there has been no confirmed sighting of Kelly since that evening. Authorities have not released additional details about where she may have been headed or how long she had been driving.
Sheriff Leroy Ravenell expressed serious concern about the situation, noting that weather conditions at the time were extremely cold. Officials say the low temperatures and winter storm conditions raise additional concerns for Kelly’s safety, making it critical to locate her as quickly as possible.
Kelly is described as standing approximately 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighing around 130 pounds. No further descriptive information has been shared publicly. Authorities are urging residents in the Bowman area and surrounding communities to be alert and to report anything that may help locate her.
Law enforcement officers are continuing search efforts and following up on any leads that come in. Deputies are also asking residents to check their properties, outbuildings, and surrounding areas if it is safe to do so, especially locations near where the vehicle was found. Even small details could help investigators piece together what happened.
Officials emphasize that community assistance can play a key role in cases like this, particularly when weather conditions and time are factors. Anyone who may have seen Kelly, noticed unusual activity, or has information that could help determine her whereabouts is encouraged to contact authorities.
Those with information are asked to reach the Orangeburg County Communications Center through official channels. Tips can be shared by calling 803-534-3550. Law enforcement reminds the public not to attempt independent searches in unsafe conditions and to leave any coordinated efforts to trained responders.
The Sheriff’s Department says updates will be provided as more information becomes available. In the meantime, officials ask the public to keep Kelly and her family in their thoughts and to share verified information responsibly to help bring her home safely.
