Body of missing Miami County woman found in flooded area

The body of a 78-year-old Paola woman, who was reported missing on Wednesday, was located by fire crews Friday.

Hazel Phillips’ body was found in a flooded area on Hospital Drive, just south of 327th Street, according to the Miami County Sheriff’s Office.

Phillips had told relatives that she was traveling to Drexel, Mo. Wednesday morning but did not arrive. The Miami County Sheriff’s Office issued a statewide silver alert for Phillips.

On Friday, Osawatomie Fire Department spotted the roof of Phillips’ silver 2008 Chevrolet Malibu in receding flood waters. Phillips was found with the vehicle deceased, the sheriff’s office reported.

The cause of death remains under investigation.

Anyone with information should call the Investigations Division at the Miami County Sheriff’s Office at 913-294-3232.