OKC golfer finds body in pond

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ A body found in a pond at a northwest-side golf course on Monday could be that of a missing Alzheimer's patient. <br><br>A golfer discovered the body about noon near the 12th hole

Tuesday, September 10th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ A body found in a pond at a northwest-side golf course on Monday could be that of a missing Alzheimer's patient.

A golfer discovered the body about noon near the 12th hole of the Quail Creek Golf and Country Club, police Sgt. Charles Phillips said.

Tommie Smith, 78, was reported missing about 10:15 p.m. Saturday after she apparently wandered away from the Hearthstone Assisted Living Center, less than a mile away, police said.

``It would've been dark out there,'' Phillips said. ``She may have stumbled into the pond inadvertently and never made it out.''

Lloyd Schill, vice president of operations at Hearthstone, said the incident is still under investigation and it is unknown how Smith wandered away Saturday.

``We're grateful to all those who have assisted with the search for Tommie Smith,'' Schill said.

``We're continuing to cooperate in any way we can with local authorities. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Smith's family during this difficult time.''