A Central Texas woman last seen Wednesday was found dead in Nolanville around 2:16 p.m. Friday.
Delettra Whittman, 51, of Belton, was last seen leaving Nolanville for Temple earlier this week after having lunch, according to her son Tommie Mayfield. When Whittman did not show up for work the next day, those who knew her reported her disappearance to multiple police agencies -- but were told officers had to wait 72 hours before searching, Mayfield said.
So, family members took the search into their own hands Friday and found a skid mark off the eastbound side of Highway 190/I-14 near Nolanville Hill and Dogridge Road. Her son said they walked a ways off the highway and found Whittman deceased inside her vehicle. At that point, they called police again.
DPS Sgt. David Roberts said investigators believe Whittman lost control of her 2008 Chrysler 300, drove off the roadway, struck a tree and went down into a ravine. Roberts said the eastbound side of Highway 190/I-14 would be blocked while crews removed the crashed vehicle.
Whittman's friends had distributed missing person flyers on Friday and even offered a reward for her safe return.
There was no guard rail on the side of the highway where Whittman's vehicle appeared to have driven off the roadway. The family said they hoped one would be added.
A GoFundMe page was posted to help with funeral expenses.
