Sunday, October 19, 2025–4:45 p.m.
-WZQZ Radio-
The desperate search for a missing Summerville resident concluded with a tragic discovery late Friday afternoon, as authorities confirmed the body of Kimberly Lindsey, 55, was found inside a waste transport trailer at the Chattooga County transfer station.
The incident began shortly before 2 p.m. when Chattooga County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a residence in West Summerville regarding a potential stolen vehicle. Upon arrival, deputies learned that Lindsey had reportedly left the residence earlier that morning in a vehicle belonging to her daughter’s grandmother. Family members were unable to make contact with her.
Later in the day, family members located the vehicle at the Family Dollar store on Commerce Street, near the dumpsters at the rear of the establishment. According to a joint release from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office and the Summerville Police Department, family members reported that Lindsey had a habit of frequenting dumpster locations to collect items.
Sheriff Mark Schrader and Chief Deputy Woods responded to the scene. Lindsey’s boyfriend informed law enforcement that he had previously assisted her out of a waste container at a different location, reporting that she appeared to be under the influence of prescription medication at the time.
Upon observing the empty waste containers at the Family Dollar, investigators worked to determine when and where the contents had been emptied. They learned that a local waste management company had emptied the containers earlier that morning and transported the contents to the Chattooga County transfer station after 1 p.m.
Based on the developing information and the family’s account, a coordinated effort was initiated at the transfer station.
Summerville Police Detectives, along with Captain Railey, Mr. Ledford, Mr. Larkins from Chattooga County Public Works, and Commissioner Allen, joined Sheriff Schrader and his team.
Authorities identified a specific waste transport trailer where the contents from the Family Dollar dumpsters were believed to be located. Commissioner Allen and Larkins utilized equipment to remove a portion of the waste from the focused area. Following this, a meticulous hand search of the remaining contents was undertaken by Larkins and K9 Deputy Robinson.
The painstaking search led to the discovery of Lindsey’s body. Coroner J. McElhaney was notified and arrived on the scene. The Summerville Police Department commenced processing the area.
Investigator D. Sanford provided aerial video and lighting support with a drone, while the Summerville Fire Department also contributed lighting to the scene.
Lindsey will be transported to the GBI medical examiner’s office for further investigation and examination.
“This was not the outcome that we were hoping for,” stated Sheriff Mark A. Schrader. “I would like to thank all agencies and personnel for their quick response and assistance in this search. I truly believe that had the response not been so quick, and the search not been so thorough, that truck container would have been removed and transported out of county. Ms. Lindsey’s family may have never gotten closure. Please pray for this family during this terrible tragedy.”
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Lindsey’s death is ongoing.