Missing 83-year-old Middleborough woman found deceased

MIDDLEBOROUGH — Police Chief Robert Ferreira and Fire Chief Owen Thompson regret to report that, after a thorough search by multiple agencies, an 83-year-old resident was found deceased Thursday afternoon.

Michele Sperling was determined to be missing on Thursday morning after a neighbor at approximately 8:45 a.m. requested a welfare check. Middleborough Police, Middleborough Fire, the Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (SEMLEC), Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office, Massachusetts State Police, Massachusetts Environmental Police, and Department of Conservation & Recreation conducted a thorough search of the area.

The last time Sperling was believed to be seen alive was 1:30 a.m. on Simmons Road in the Oak Point residential community.

A State Police K9 unit located her in the woods in a shallow body of water on Thursday afternoon.

While foul play is not immediately suspected, the death is under investigation by the Middleborough Police Department and the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office.

“It’s always a sad ending when a member of our community goes missing and does not survive, despite the best efforts of dozens of first responders,” Chief Ferreira said. “We extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones during this difficult time and ask everyone to please respect their privacy while they grieve.”