A 29-year-old woman from Amherst, New York, was discovered deceased on Tuesday morning, several days after she was reported missing in the midst of freezing weather conditions. Leah Bellitto was last seen leaving her residence, located approximately 10 miles from downtown Buffalo, around 9 p.m. on Saturday. She was dressed in a black long-sleeve shirt, black pajama pants, and was carrying a blue backpack with a floral pattern.
Bellitto was reportedly observed entering the snow-laden woods behind her home, where the temperature had plummeted to a chilling 25 degrees. Her family reported her missing on Monday, prompting a widespread search throughout the local area.
During the search operation, barefoot prints and handprints were discovered near a creek and pond, suggesting the direction Bellitto may have taken. A civilian volunteer eventually found Bellitto’s body in a body of water in East Amherst at 9:55 a.m. on Tuesday, three days after her disappearance.
The Amherst Police Department is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Bellitto’s death. At this time, law enforcement officials do not suspect any foul play and have assured the public that there is no apparent danger.
The discovery of Bellitto’s body has sent shockwaves through the local community. A neighbor, Trisha Tower, described the incident as “devastating” and expressed her sorrow over the tragic circumstances. Alesha Conte, a volunteer who participated in the search for Bellitto, emphasized the impact of such an event on the community, stating that it “hits home” when a local resident goes missing.
Tom Chiaramonte, another local resident, joined the search for Bellitto after hearing about her disappearance during the Super Bowl. He expressed his disbelief and sadness upon learning that Bellitto’s body was found so close to his home.
Bellitto was a graduate of Nardin Academy, a private Catholic girls’ school. The school expressed its condolences on Facebook, stating that the entire community was praying for Bellitto’s family and loved ones.