Investigators believe a body found near an Alabama state park over the weekend is that of a hiker who disappeared in the area in October.
A hunter found the body on Saturday morning, about five miles northeast of Cheaha State Park, the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Department said.
Investigators said evidence indicated the body is Vendula “Wendy” Rose,” an Ohio woman who drove to Alabama on September 20 to go hiking.
Rose was reported missing on October 4 after she didn’t show up for work, according to CrimeOnline. Her car was discovered close to the Pinhoti Trailhead in Cheaha State Park the following day.
To trace her movements after her arrival in Alabama, investigators utilized the car’s GPS, traffic cameras, and tag readers. The car journeyed to South Carolina on September 23 and reached its destination early on the 24th. That same night, she returned to Clerburne County. Surveillance footage captured her making a purchase in Oxford, after which she departed the establishment alone.
After her stop in Oxford, she drove to the Pinhoti Trailhead, where her car was eventually located. Despite an extensive search by multiple agencies covering almost 40 miles of trails in the vicinity, no sign of the missing woman was uncovered.
On October 7, investigators obtained a search warrant for the car, where they found “multiple notes that were deemed as abnormal for Rose unless she was having a mental health crisis.” They also found a weapon magazine and a box of ammunition missing seven rounds in the car. No other evidence has been located.
The sheriff’s department plans to make a statement about the discovery later Monday.
“We ask that you please continue to remember this family in your prayers,” they said.
