Wreck victim wasn't found for hours

The victim of a Tuesday traffic accident may have lain dead in her smashed vehicle near a busy highway for nearly 12 hours before being discovered, investigators said.

Janice Marie Polly, 57, of Gregory Mill Road, was found in her Dodge Durango SUV off U.S, 41-A, less than a half-mile south of Unionville, State Trooper Chad McAnally said. The wreck was spotted shortly after 2 p.m., authorities said.

"Relatives said they had last talked to her at 2:30 a.m.," McAnally said.

Polly was likely killed instantly due to multiple injuries, according to McAnally.

The vehicle was in a field, behind large bushes and trees with only the rear end slightly visible from the highway. Its front end was smashed against a large tree. The windshield and rear window were broken.

"She was southbound leaving Unionville toward Shelbyville and ran off the road," McAnally said. "I'd estimate she was traveling 60 to 65 miles per hour. The speed limit in that area is 55 miles per hour.

"There were no skid marks or signs she hit her brakes."

Polly was not wearing a seat belt, McAnally said.