Authorities have confirmed that the body found on Thursday at Cloudland Canyon was that of the 45 year old missing Rock Spring woman Judy Payne.  Payne was described as a family oriented woman that was employed by Walter A Wood Supply in Chattanooga.  She enjoyed hiking and had often visted Cloudland Canyon and was employed there for a short time.  Payne had crossed over a guard rail on a trail and fell nearly 200 feet to her death.

Dade County Sheriffs authorities say that people have fallen from that same area, but this was the first time that they could remember a fatality.  No foul play is expected in the incident.

“We are relieved to bring closure to the family and we are sorry that it ended in this manner,” said Kim Hatcher, public affairs coordinator with the Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites.