Woman's Body Found Near Punta Gorda Fish Camp, Identity Sought

Authorities ask public for help identifying victim found in Hunter Creek

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:43pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a woman's purple-painted toenails against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the mystery surrounding the victim's identity.The discovery of an unidentified woman's body near a popular Punta Gorda fish camp has sparked a community-wide effort to determine her identity and circumstances of death.Punta Gorda Today

The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's assistance in identifying a woman whose body was discovered near a fish camp in Punta Gorda, Florida on March 29. The woman, believed to be between 50 and 80 years old, had been in the water for several days and the cause of death has not yet been determined.

Why it matters

Identifying the victim is crucial to determining the circumstances surrounding her death and providing closure for her loved ones. The discovery of an unidentified body near a popular recreational area also raises concerns about public safety in the community.

The details

The woman's body was found in Hunter Creek, near the Peace River RV and Fish Camp, Peace River Shores, and Palm Shores off U.S. Highway 17. Detectives believe the woman had some medical issues prior to her death. She had purple nail polish on her toes and was approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall with light colored hair.

  • The woman's body was discovered on March 29.

The players

Charlotte County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency investigating the case and seeking the public's help in identifying the victim.

Bill Prummell

The Charlotte County Sheriff who urged anyone with information about the victim to come forward.

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What they’re saying

“If there is someone out there who knows who this person is, I pray that they will come forward.”

— Bill Prummell, Charlotte County Sheriff

What’s next

Detectives are asking anyone who may know someone matching the victim's description and has been unable to contact them to call the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit.

The takeaway

This tragic discovery highlights the importance of community cooperation in solving missing persons cases and providing closure for victims' families. The public's assistance could be crucial in identifying the woman and determining the circumstances surrounding her death.