Missing South Carolina Fitness Trainer Found Dead
Just weeks before a body, believed to be hers, was discovered, a South Carolina fitness trainer expressed fear for her safety to a close friend.
Elena Katherine Moore, 39, went missing after leaving the Planet Fitness gym in Lexington on June 11. Her body was found in Lexington on Wednesday afternoon. While not yet confirmed, authorities noted that the deceased matches Moore’s clothing description.
Sondra Campbell, a close friend, recounted that during their last conversation on May 31, Moore seemed particularly anxious. “She said she was scared for her life,” Campbell shared. “She’s one of my best friends; we’ve known each other for over a decade and can discuss anything.”
When Campbell inquired about her concerns, Moore hinted at needing a private conversation, saying there were too many people around to talk freely.
“I remember her saying, ‘I can’t talk right now,’ but it felt urgent to have that one-on-one.”
On June 4, Campbell missed calls from Moore. She tried to reach her back through calls and texts but received no response. It was out of character for Moore to be out alone at night, which significantly worried Campbell. “It’s just not like her,” she noted, reflecting on how caring and cautious Moore usually is.
With the discovery of the body, the South Carolina Department of Law Enforcement is working on determining the cause of death. The Lexington Police Chief, Terrence Green, indicated they found the body after receiving new information that directed them to a different search site. It was located around 2:48 p.m. and was wearing clothing that resembled what Moore had on in surveillance footage prior to her disappearance.
Official confirmation of identity will come from the coroner, Green added. Moore was reportedly last seen that night walking across a nearby parking lot. Her friend Lauren Beasley mentioned that Moore had been unusually silent on social media, which was unlike her. “She’s normally very active online, so this lack of communication really stood out,” Beasley commented.
