The family of a Greene County woman who was found dead this week in Sangamon County is asking people to seek help when they notice personality changes in a family member or have concerns about the mental health of the family member. person.
The family of Randa Davidson, 39, who was found dead Tuesday on Robbins Road in Springfield after going missing on January 25, is asking people to speak up before it’s too late.
Molly Sorrell, Davidson’s cousin, said she and other family members noticed some changes in Davidson before her disappearance and now wonder if they could have helped her.
“I think the posts and comments that he was making on social media and to family were signs that something was up,” Sorrell said. “Family members said that she was no longer the same Randa.”
Although Davidson had no confirmed mental health issues, it’s possible that something happened that no one knew about or prompted her to seek help, Sorrell said.
Because of the stigma often associated with mental health problems, many people don’t seek help, and family members often don’t push for the help a sick family member may need, she said.
That needs to change so fewer people are injured or die as a result of mental health problems, he said.
Davidson told his family that he was going to the bank; then he disappeared, Sorrell said.
“We believe that he was in the midst of a mental health issue,” Sorrell said. “Mental health is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s okay to talk about it, whether it’s for yourself or someone else, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for help.”
Law enforcement agencies in three counties were trying to find Davidson after family members reported him missing. Davidson’s cell phone was found in Scott County and her car was found in Springfield.
Davidson’s family also reached out to area homeless shelters and asked them to keep an eye out for Davidson, Sorrell said.
No foul play was suspected, but the death is under investigation by the Sangamon County Coroner and the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department.
The Sangamon County Coroner said Davidson died of hypothermia after being exposed to the elements.
“They said he died within an hour of his last sighting, that’s how fast one can die of hypothermia,” Sorrell said. “She wasn’t dressed for the elements.”
Sorrell said she and her family also want people to think about life insurance, because the family is struggling to pay for Davidson’s funeral.
“She didn’t have life insurance, so at this point, we don’t know when we’ll be able to do a burial,” Sorrell said. “We want to be able to give them closure.”
A GoFundMe page it has been established to help the family with funeral expenses and to help with future educational costs for Davidson’s daughter.
Donations can also be made to an account that has been established at Rushville State Bank.
