MIDDLEBORO — The Middleboro woman who was the subject of a multi-agency search has been found dead.

The body of Michele Sperling, 83, was located by a State Police K-9 unit in a shallow body of water on Thursday afternoon March 27, Police Chief Robert Ferreira and Fire Chief Owen Thompson reported. 

No information was immediately available on the cause of death or exact location where she was found.

The resident was determined to be missing on Thursday morning after a neighbor requested a welfare check at her home. 

Through further investigation, officials reported she may have last been seen on Simmons Road in the Oak Point residential community at about 1:30 a.m. on Thursday. 

Middleboro Police, Middleboro 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. Drones, K9s, all-terrain vehicles, and utility-terrain vehicles were used in the search. 

While foul play is not immediately suspected, the death is under investigation by the Middleboro Police Department and State Police Detectives assigned to 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," 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.”