Franklin Parish woman found dead in winter weather, sheriff says

FRANKLIN PARISH, La. (KNOE) - The Franklin Parish Sheriff’s Office announced a winter weather death early Tuesday morning.

Clara Wilson was found dead outside near her home following a search that started Monday evening, the Franklin Parish Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post.

Wilson was last seen inside her home Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, according to the post.

Franklin Parish Sheriff Bryan Linder says you should not hesitate to contact his deputies if you are unable to get in touch with loved ones. Deputies are able to conduct in-person checks, as requested by calling (318) 435-4505.

This comes as the state announced Monday three people in Northwest Louisiana died from circumstances related to the winter storm. Two people in Caddo Parish died from hypothermia, while a man, Alvin Mayweather, 86, died of carbon monoxide poisoning inside his DeSoto Parish garage near a generator.

On Monday, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and other state officials announced they were investigating two additional hypothermia-related deaths, possibly tied to the winter weather.

It was not immediately known whether Wilson’s death was one of the cases mentioned by the governor.