LIVE OAK — A dead woman’s body was found on the steps to the Suwannee County Courthouse early Thursday morning.

According to Suwannee County Sheriff Sam St. John, the body of 61-year-old Pamela Smith, of Live Oak, was found on the steps around 5 a.m.

Live Oak Police Chief Buddy Williams said foul play is not suspected and there is no obvious cause of death known at this time. The LOPD is waiting on the results of an autopsy to determine the cause.

“It’s just a sad situation for all involved,” Williams said.

According to St. John, Smith had been recently released from the Suwannee County Jail after serving time on a failure to appear charge. 

He said that she was not homeless but it was not uncommon for her to spend time sitting in front of the courthouse.

“It is unfortunate that this happened, I hate it happening,” St. John said.