A Roanoke Rapids woman drowned Friday in Lake Gaston while babysitting a child, according to the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office.

Lieutenant George Evans said Nancy Higgins, who was in her 50s, was found in the water near a boat dock after law enforcement received a missing person call around 1 p.m.

An angler saw a small child sitting on a boat dock at a house off Drumgold Road in the Myrick Estates subdivision and notified a neighbor.

Evans said Deputy Charlie Jenkins retrieved Hughes from the water. There were no signs of foul play.

It appeared Higgins may have gone swimming but what caused her to drown is unknown.

An autopsy will be performed.