Covington, Ky. — The search for a missing grandmother, 65-year-old Carol Groves, ended in tragedy when authorities discovered her remains in a wooded area near a homeless encampment. The grim find occurred on March 28, 2026, in the 800 block of Crescent Avenue, not far from Devou Park.
Police were alerted to the scene around 7 p.m. following reports of human remains. Upon arrival, officers found the remains, which were severely decomposed, inside a tire at a site frequented by homeless individuals. Tyler Carroll, Groves’ son, indicated that this particular location was somewhere his mother often stayed. Investigators revealed that Groves had likely been deceased for some time prior to the discovery.
The news provides a somber resolution for Groves’ family, who had held out hope for her safe return during the harsh winter months. She was reported missing on December 20, 2025, after failing to contact her children, an unusual occurrence for her.
At the time of her disappearance, Groves was described as approximately 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weighing around 120 pounds. Her last known sighting had her dressed in pajama pants with pink Crocs, bundled in a blanket in Covington’s John Street area.
Tyler Carroll explained that his mother had chosen to live without a permanent home and struggled with substance abuse. While she tended to go missing for stretches of time, she always maintained contact with her family—until late December, when the silence became unsettling.
As the days turned into weeks without any word from Groves, family concern grew, prompting them to file a missing person report just before Christmas. Her survival in harsh cold weather became increasingly desperate as the weeks passed, leading to a community-wide effort to find her.
Although the confirmation of her passing is heartbreaking, Carroll expressed a sense of relief in finally knowing what happened to his mother. He acknowledged that after five months, the likelihood of a positive outcome dwindled, but closure now allows the family to begin the grieving process.
Preliminary autopsy findings do not suggest foul play, according to the Covington Police Department. Captain Justin Bradbury confirmed that while the investigation is ongoing, criminal activity is not currently suspected. The medical examiner will determine the formal cause of death in the forthcoming report.
Groves is remembered fondly by her family and friends, who spoke of her vibrant spirit despite her struggles. Her ex-husband described her as a generous soul and a talented dancer, capable of bringing joy to those around her.
As the family mourns their loss, they have set up a GoFundMe page to assist with burial expenses. They also held a memorial to honor Groves’ life, emphasizing that her addiction challenges did not diminish the love they held for her.
While the Covington Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Groves’ death, they are urging anyone with information regarding her whereabouts between late December and late March to step forward. The case sheds light on the vulnerabilities faced by those dealing with homelessness and addiction, especially during severe winter weather.
For Groves’ family, the painful search has reached a conclusion, allowing them to honor her memory and begin the process of healing.