The search for a missing Navy veteran has come to a tragic conclusion after authorities discovered her body in Hinesville, Georgia.

Margaret Hanley, 72, disappeared from her home in Jacksonville earlier this month. Her family grew concerned after they hadn’t heard from her for over a week, prompting a multi-agency search that spanned from Florida into Georgia.

The Disappearance and Search

Hanley’s family first realized something was wrong last Wednesday. Her son, Jomo Thompson, described her as an independent woman who lived alone after serving 23 years in the Navy.

Law enforcement was able to track her 2001 silver Toyota RAV4 as it pinged in multiple locations. The most recent pings led investigators to Hinesville, Georgia, located about 30 miles southwest of Savannah. On Sunday, the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that they had located the vehicle in Hinesville with Hanley’s body found nearby.

Suspicious Circumstances

While a cause of death has not yet been confirmed, the family has raised concerns regarding potential foul play or exploitation. Thompson noted that he found several “unusual” transactions on his mother’s bank account prior to her disappearance, leading the family to worry she may have been the victim of a scam.

It remains unclear if Hanley left her Jacksonville home voluntarily due to the suspected scam or if she was coerced or intercepted by someone else.

A Life of Service

Margaret Hanley was a dedicated veteran who spent over two decades serving in the U.S. Navy. Her son remembered her as a “great all-around mom” and a woman who took pride in her independence.

Ongoing Investigation

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate Hanley’s final movements and the suspicious activity on her bank accounts. They are urging anyone with information to contact them at 904-630-0500.

Our thoughts are with the Hanley family and the veteran community during this difficult time.