Ashley Nicole Phillips, 30, was last seen on June 3 in San Salvador de Barú, a rural community of Pérez ZeledónCosta Rica.
The Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) of Costa Rica reported the US citizen missing on June 7, after a complaint filed by the owner of the place where Phillips was staying.
His family in California reported that he disappeared during a hike after a storm caused floods and landslides of land in the area.
Search teams and local volunteers continue to search for Phillips. Costa Rican authorities have not yet confirmed what exactly happened.
The Costa Rican press cites unverified accounts that suggest that may have been swept away by a flash flood at the Nauyaca Falls, but researchers have not confirmed that version.
The Judicial Investigation Agency released Phillips’ photograph and requested the public’s collaboration in finding his whereabouts.
Between June 3 and 8, at least 12 people, including rescuers and support personnel, carried out search operations. These included inspections in difficult to access sectors, tours along the riverbed, dives by divers and overflights with drones.
It is also They inspected pools and areas near waterfalls to expand search coverage.
The Costa Rican Red Cross, cited by Teleticsstated that, after reviewing priority sectors without obtaining positive signsit was decided to suspend work.
According to The Tico Timesthe National Emergency Commission raised the alerts in the Pacific and the Central Valley due to the iIntense rainfall, saturation of the soil and the risk of flooding and landslides.
Phillips’ family members created a fundraising page to support volunteers participating in the search, including supplies, food and equipment. Until now, They have raised more than US$17 thousand.
“We continue to ask for your prayers for Ashley, for her family, and for peace, strength, and comfort at this time,” the GoFundMe campaign states.
The Disappearance Investigation Office asks anyone who has information on Phillips’ whereabouts Please contact the confidential line 800-8000-645.