Woman, 26, Died In Little River After 'Refusing Attempts At Help'

WOODSTOCK, GA — More than 60 first responders attempted to help a woman who ultimately died sometime overnight Monday in Woodstock.

Multiple agencies were involved in a search and rescue operation for Ciara Rose Baughn, 26, of Holly Springs, who was swimming at Olde Rope Mill Park in Woodstock.

Woodstock Fire & Rescue, Woodstock Police Department, Woodstock Parks and Recreation, Cherokee Fire, Cherokee EMA, Cherokee Marshall’s Office, Cherokee Sheriff’s Office, Holly Springs Police Department, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and Georgia State Patrol participated in the operation. Divers found the remains in Little River near the area of the I-575 overpass at 11:20 a.m. on Tuesday, March 8.

At 11:30 p.m. on Monday, March 7, a Woodstock Police officer saw a vehicle in Olde Rope Mill Park. After an inspection, the car was secured, and no one was seen at the park.

Sometime later, the owner of the vehicle contacted her mother, requesting dry clothes be brought to the park. After arriving at the park, the mother called 911. Woodstock Fire & Rescue and Woodstock Police Department arrived at Olde Rope Mill Park at 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 8.

Firefighters encouraged the woman to leave the water, providing ropes and flotation devices, however she refused their attempts to help.

The woman continued downstream toward Lake Allatoona. At the I-575 overpass, firefighters entered the water to attempt rescue. At this point, the first responders lost sight of the swimmer. The search involved Cherokee Fire’s Dive Team, Georgia State Patrol’s helicopter, and K-9 units from Woodstock Police Department and Cherokee Marshall’s Office.

“Over 65 first responders aided in this operation,” Woodstock Fire Chief Dave Soumas said. “The agencies on the scene worked seamlessly to execute the search and rescue. Unfortunately, the results were not what we hoped. Our hearts go out to the victim’s family.”

Her family was notified of her death at the scene. Her remains will be transported by the Cherokee Coroner’s Office to the GBI for an autopsy.