An elderly Elwood woman was found dead inside a hole in her front lawn Monday.

Investigators say the 76-year-old woman fell through her cesspool collapse, dropping about 6 to 8 feet. They are unsure how long she was trapped in the hole. A concerned relative called police upon finding the home?s doors unlocked with the victim?s purse and keys inside. Authorities say they found the hole a short time later.

Neighbors describe the woman as friendly and quiet. They say she enjoyed gardening and was nice to children.