Rose-Lee Gore Obituary, Death Cause – Authorities in Putnam County are investigating a tragic incident in which a woman lost her life after being struck by her own vehicle. The accident occurred early Wednesday morning in the Woodland Forest neighborhood, and officials have described it as both devastating and unusual.

According to Putnam County Sheriff Bobby Eggleton, deputies and emergency personnel were called to the scene around 8 a.m. after reports of a serious accident. When they arrived, they discovered that a woman had been run over by her own car. Despite efforts to render aid, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim was identified as 78-year-old Rose-Lee Gore of Winfield. Sheriff Eggleton told reporters from 13 News that Gore had apparently left her vehicle in neutral, causing it to roll unexpectedly. He explained that investigators believe she may have been knocked down by the open car door as the vehicle began moving. Once she was on the ground, the car rolled over her, resulting in fatal injuries.

“This was a horrible accident,” Eggleton said, noting the rarity and tragic nature of the circumstances. “It appears she simply left the car in neutral, and it ended in the worst possible way.”

Authorities emphasized that there are no indications of foul play in Gore’s death. Based on initial findings, investigators believe the incident was entirely accidental. Sheriff Eggleton explained that accidents of this kind, though uncommon, underscore the importance of ensuring vehicles are secured properly when parked or exited.

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office has launched a formal investigation to confirm the sequence of events. Detectives will review the scene, interview any potential witnesses, and examine whether mechanical factors could have contributed. At present, however, officials believe the incident to be a tragic accident with no criminal elements involved.

The news has left the Woodland Forest neighborhood and the broader Winfield community in shock. Residents described Gore as a well-known and friendly presence in the area. The sudden nature of her passing has stirred grief among friends and neighbors, many of whom are struggling to comprehend how such an accident could occur.

Car-related incidents like this, though rare, serve as reminders of everyday risks when handling vehicles. Law enforcement officials say simple precautions, such as ensuring a car is in park and setting the emergency brake, can prevent tragic outcomes. Sheriff Eggleton said the accident should serve as a sobering lesson for drivers of all ages about the importance of safety when leaving or exiting a vehicle.

While the investigation is still ongoing, authorities do not anticipate major developments. Sheriff Eggleton reiterated that the case does not appear suspicious, but rather points to a series of unfortunate circumstances that ended in tragedy.

Family members of Rose-Lee Gore have been notified, and arrangements are expected to be made in the coming days. Outpourings of sympathy have already begun appearing on social media, with community members sharing condolences and memories of Gore.

For now, the sheriff’s office continues to piece together the details, though Eggleton made clear that the outcome remains the same: the community has lost a 78-year-old woman in an accident that could not have been foreseen.

“This is the kind of call no one ever wants to respond to,” Eggleton said. “It’s heartbreaking for the family, for the neighborhood, and for everyone involved.”

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with additional information to reach out as the investigation proceeds. Updates are expected as more details become available, though authorities stress that nothing at this point suggests the incident was anything more than a tragic accident.