A newborn baby was found dead Tuesday by the side of a creek in Graysville, Georgia.

Catoosa County Sheriff Gary Sisk told local media the child was found face down at the edge of the South Chickamauga Creek.

When the officers arrived at the scene, they found the newborn had the umbilical cord and placenta still attached. The gender of the baby has not been revealed.

"We know that someone is going through a. very tragic time in their life, and we want to help," Sisk said, according to WDEF. "If you saw something at the Graysville Canoe launch before 1 p.m. this date, such as a vehicle or persons in the area, or if you know someone who was pregnant and is now without their baby, please give us a call."

Sheriff Sisk said the infant might have been brought to the area the previous day, and dumped at the scene. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause and manner of death, Times Free Press reported.

Authorities urged the public to come forward with any information that can help identify the mother of the baby. Locals were asked to call Catoosa County Detective Brittany Gilleland at 706-935-2424 or brittany.gilleland@catoosa.com, with information.

An investigation is currently underway into the incident.

Last year, a newborn baby was found abandoned on the ground outside an apartment complex in Memphis, Tennessee. The infant had the umbilical cord still attached. Two teenagers playing outside spotted the baby, who looked only a few hours old. The police said the baby was lying on the sidewalk, while the temperature outside was about 56 degrees. Memphis police arrived at the scene and the baby was taken to Le Bonheur Children's Hospital to receive medical attention.

The police searched the area after the baby was found and located the mother within a few hours. Brittney Ragin of Agape Child Services said at the time parents can get in touch with them in case they need any help. "It's for moms and fathers if they need to talk to someone, or if they're weighing their options and not sure what the next step is," she said. There are several such organizations across the United States ready to help new mothers facing any problem.

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Representative image Credit: Pixabay