Grandma Who Disappeared Around Thanksgiving Found Dead in Woods

A 65-year-old woman has been discovered deceased in a wooded area in Covington, Kentucky, following a period during which she had been reported missing. The Covington Police Department identified the woman as Carol Graves, who was known to have chosen a homeless lifestyle and had faced ongoing struggles with addiction.

Graves was reported missing on December 20, 2025, after her family had become increasingly concerned for her wellbeing. Authorities described her as being approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing around 120 pounds at the time of her disappearance. She was last seen dressed in pajama trousers and pink Crocs while wrapped in a blanket.

The case took a tragic turn on March 29, when police responded to a report regarding a badly decomposed body located in a wooded area off the 800 block of Crescent Avenue. The deceased was subsequently confirmed to be Graves.

Her son, Tyler Carroll, recounted to local media that his mother would often disappear for days, citing her choice to live on the streets as part of her lifestyle. He noted that while she would frequently go away for short stints, she would always make an effort to contact one of her children during her absences. However, when weeks elapsed without word, the family grew alarmed and made the decision to report her missing.

Reflecting on the outcome, Carroll expressed a sense of closure from the discovery of his mother’s body, although it did not lessen the distress of the situation. “Five months in, I knew that I wasn’t going to get a phone call that my mum had won the lottery and was living on an island somewhere,” he said, acknowledging the grim reality of the situation. “I didn’t know it was going to be as horrible as it is, or as horrible as it sounds, but I will be able to maybe sleep tonight.”

In the wake of her passing, Graves’ family remembered her fondly despite her struggles. Her ex-husband, Brad Carroll, provided a heartfelt tribute, describing her as “generous, warm and full of life.” He reminisced about their time together, including their shared joy of dancing. “She’s the best dance partner I’ve ever had in my life,” he told a local news outlet. “We used to clean up the dance floor.”

The Covington Police Department is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding Graves’ death. In a statement, they indicated that a preliminary autopsy suggests there are no suspicious circumstances tied to her passing. While the investigation continues, authorities are likely to provide further updates as new details emerge.

Graves’ story highlights the complexities surrounding homelessness and addiction, as well as the emotional toll such situations can take on families and loved ones. Her family members have expressed a desire to remember her for the love and light she brought to their lives, rather than solely focusing on her struggles.

As the investigation unfolds, community members have been encouraged to reflect on the challenges faced by those in similar situations, such as homelessness and addiction. The loss of Carol Graves serves as a poignant reminder of the difficulties many individuals encounter and the importance of supporting those who are vulnerable in society.

In the meantime, the Covington community is mourning the loss of a woman whose life, though fraught with hardship, was marked by moments of joy and love from the family she left behind.