Tragic end to search for missing SC woman, sheriff says. Her car was found in floodwater

The search for a missing Cordova woman ended “tragically” after her car was found in floodwaters this week, the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office said.

“We’re asking prayers for this family,” Sheriff Leroy Ravenell said. “If you know them, please give them your comfort and support.”

Valerie Goff, 66, was reported missing Friday after leaving her home on Pontiac Lane to make a trip to a local pharmacy on Thursday. Investigator said she never made it there.

Her car, a green Nissan Cube, was discovered in floodwaters near Glover and Andrew Dibble streets in Orangeburg County.

The sheriff’s office did not share additional information about how or where Goff was found.

Parts of the South Carolina Midlands and the Lowcountry experienced heavy rain and flash flooding on Wednesday and Thursday, bad enough for Gov. Henry McMaster to declare a state of emergency. The region saw over 130 significant road closures, and Orangeburg County schools also closed because of unsafe travel conditions.

This story was originally published November 9, 2024 at 12:13 PM.

Alexa Jurado

The State

Alexa Jurado is a news reporter for The State covering Lexington County and Richland County schools. She previously wrote about the University of South Carolina and contributes to this coverage. A Chicago suburbs native, Alexa graduated from Marquette University and previously wrote for publications in Illinois and Wisconsin. Her work has been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists, the Milwaukee Press Club and the South Carolina Press Association.