A Richland woman whose body was discovered in Chotard Lake early Sunday is believed to have drowned, authorities said this morning.

Colleen Parkman, 52, was found floating not far from shore a few minutes after 1 a.m. by competitors in a fishing contest, said Issaquena County Deputy Willie Peterson.

“It appears that she drowned but we are still investigating, trying to see if any foul play was involved,” Peterson said.

Parkman was fully clothed, in jeans and a blouse, and still had on one tennis shoe, the deputy said. She had identification on her person.

Peterson said Parkman apparently had arrived at the lake Saturday night and was staying with a friend.

Her body was sent to the Mississippi State Crime Lab for an autopsy. Issaquena County Coroner Angela Williams could not be reached.

“We will be continuing to talk to people there at Chotard Landing today,” said Peterson.

The oxbow lake is about 20 miles north of Vicksburg, off Mississippi 465, and is a popular destination for fishing and weekend getaways with nearby cabins, condominiums, a general store and tavern.

Sheriff Richard Jones said the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations is assisting his department.