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VALLEY – This has been a very difficult week for Mayor Leonard Riley and Commissioner Debra Riley. It’s challenging enough to be an elected official during a widespread public health crisis, but the Rileys have a family tragedy to deal with as well.

This past weekend, their daughter-in-law, Jamie Hollis Riley, died in a drowning accident on Lake Harding. Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones confirmed the drowning that occurred Sunday.

“She was in a semi-conscious state and walked out onto a dock while visiting her parents,” Jones said.

No foul play is suspected.

Riley leaves behind a husband, Len, and two young children, Braden and Avery. Len and Jamie were classmates at Valley High School. She was a graduate of the class of 1994, one year behind Len.

Understandably, Debra Riley did not attend Monday’s meeting of the Chambers County Commission. Commission Chairman Doug Jones noted the family tragedy and asked for everyone to keep the Rileys in their thoughts and prayers.