Authorities have not yet publicly confirmed the identity of the remains discovered in Costa Rica.
PÉREZ ZELEDÓN, Costa Rica — Search teams looking for Ashley Phillips, a 30-year-old California woman who disappeared while hiking in Costa Rica during severe weather earlier this month, have found a body in the search area, authorities and media reports said Wednesday.
The discovery marks a major development in a case that drew attention in both Costa Rica and the United States after Phillips vanished during a period of heavy rain, flooding and landslides. Officials have not publicly identified the body, and investigators are continuing efforts to determine whether the remains are those of Phillips. The case remains under investigation as family members await confirmation and authorities work to establish exactly what happened in the days leading up to her disappearance.
Phillips was last seen in early June in the San Salvador area of Costa Rica’s San José province. Costa Rican authorities later reported her missing after relatives and others were unable to contact her. According to information released during the search, Phillips had been hiking in a region affected by intense rainfall and dangerous weather conditions. Flooding and mudslides were reported across parts of the area during the period surrounding her disappearance. Search crews, volunteers and local authorities spent days combing difficult terrain, including river corridors and remote sections of the countryside. As the search expanded, family members publicly appealed for information and expressed hope that Phillips would be found. The operation faced repeated challenges from rain-soaked ground, rising waterways and unstable conditions that limited access to some locations.
Officials have been cautious about discussing potential causes of Phillips’ disappearance. Reports from local media suggested that flash flooding may have played a role, but investigators have not publicly confirmed a specific sequence of events. Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency, known as the OIJ, led the investigation and coordinated search efforts with other emergency responders. Authorities previously said Phillips’ last known location was in the Barú district of Pérez Zeledón canton. Search personnel focused significant attention on areas where floodwaters could have carried debris or stranded hikers. The body recovered this week was reportedly found within the broader search zone. Investigators are expected to conduct forensic examinations and review available evidence before releasing a formal identification. Until that process is complete, officials have emphasized that key questions remain unanswered.
The case unfolded during a period of unusually severe weather in parts of Costa Rica. Emergency agencies had warned of saturated soil, elevated river levels and increased risks of landslides. Such conditions can complicate rescue operations and create hazards for both residents and visitors. Phillips’ disappearance prompted concern among local communities and among relatives in the United States. Family supporters organized fundraising efforts to assist with search activities and related expenses. Public updates described an extensive volunteer response and highlighted Phillips’ close relationships with family and friends. The case also underscored the challenges facing emergency crews when people go missing in remote areas during periods of extreme weather, when evidence can quickly be altered or washed away.
The next phase of the investigation will center on identification and determining the circumstances surrounding the death. Forensic specialists are expected to examine the remains and any items recovered nearby. Investigators will also continue reviewing witness statements, weather records and information gathered during the search. If the body is confirmed to be Phillips, authorities may provide additional details about the cause and manner of death once examinations are completed. Officials have not announced a timetable for those findings. The U.S. State Department previously acknowledged awareness of the case and said it was monitoring the situation involving a missing American citizen abroad. Family members have not yet publicly commented on the reported discovery of the body.
Residents of the region have closely followed developments as search teams moved through rugged terrain shaped by rivers, dense vegetation and steep slopes. Volunteers joined professionals in efforts that stretched across multiple days despite difficult weather. Supporters of Phillips shared messages online expressing hope and concern as updates emerged. In public statements released earlier in the search, relatives described the ordeal as a nightmare and thanked those assisting in the operation. Community members in Costa Rica also contributed information and logistical support. The discovery of a body has shifted the focus from rescue efforts to identification and investigative work, while family and friends continue to await definitive answers.
As of Thursday, authorities had not publicly confirmed the identity of the remains. Investigators are expected to release further information after forensic testing is completed and relatives are notified of any official findings.