The remains of a 30-year-old woman from California, Ashley Phillips, who had gone missing in a remote part of Costa Rica earlier this month, have been identified.
The family shared their grief, stating, “It is with sadness that we share the news that Ashley’s body has been found.” They had previously been seeking support through a fundraising effort.
A native of Santa Clarita, Phillips disappeared while hiking near Nauyaka Falls on June 3. Unfortunately, a severe storm with heavy rains led to flooding and landslides in the area, complicating her search.
Emergency responders and volunteers searched tirelessly for several days, but had to intermittently halt operations due to challenging weather conditions.
Phillips was missing for over two weeks before her body was discovered in the water on Wednesday.
Local reports indicated that she was located by the Costa Rican Red Cross approximately 600 meters from an area impacted by landslides and flooding, without any signs of life.
Identification of her remains took place on Thursday. While her family mourns the passing of their “beloved daughter, sister, and friend,” they find solace in knowing that Phillips can be returned home.
The GoFundMe page added, “While her family mourns this tragic loss, we take some comfort in knowing she was found and can be brought home.” Phillips was characterized as someone who embraced life with confidence and a sense of adventure.
She was staying at a regeneration reserve known as “home farm” in Costa Rica’s Diamante Valley, which is set within a lush rainforest, just above Naujaca Falls.
Authorities in Costa Rica have yet to disclose the cause of death, and an investigation is currently underway. Earlier reports suggested that she might have been swept away by the storm’s powerful forces.
In the meantime, a GoFundMe campaign has successfully raised over $20,000 to assist her family during this challenging period.
The fundraising page reflected on Phillips’s love for travel, nature, and animals, urging continued support through prayers for her family and friends during this unimaginably tough time.
