Hillside Plaza resident found dead outside nursing home

The Wells Police Department, Cherokee County Sheriff 's Department and state Attorney General's office are investigating a death at Hillside Plaza Nursing Home in Wells on the morning of July 15.

At approximately 6 a.m., Edna May Sides, 85, was found dead outside the nursing home by staff members.

Nursing home staff contacted her family, who then contacted both the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office and the Wells Police Department at approximately 10 a.m. the same day.

Ms. Sides was an Alzheimer's patient at the facility.

"Her family ended up notifying us," said Wells Police Chief Barry Starnes. "The nursing home treated it like a patient passing away and notified the family.

"The family thought it was a little strange, so they went to the Justice of the Peace in Alto and then called the Sheriff's Office and our department."

Chief Starnes says that he does not believe foul play was involved.

"As far as what I consider foul play, that didn't happen," he said. "However, we're trying to figure out who was responsible for making sure she didn't get hurt.

"I believe there was possible negligence, but I don't believe someone purposely did this."

Chief Starnes said that representatives from the Wells P.D., Sheriff 's office and state Attorney General's office investigated the incident at Hillside Plaza on Monday and Tuesday.

"We're trying to get to the bottom of how this person got outside when she wasn't supposed to be," he said. "Hopefully, we're close to coming to a conclusion."