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A body found in Cleburne County Saturday is believed to be that of a woman who has been missing for several weeks.The Cleburne County Sheriff's Office posted on social media that a hunter discovered human remains in an area off Alabama 281, about five miles south of Cheaha State Park.She was found in a secluded area away from paths and trails, according to officials. There was overhead foliage, which made it hard for officials to find her from above."The cover that was over the entire campsite was a color that matched the ground covering that matched with the canopy in the trees," Chief Deputy Patrick Nolen said.If it weren't for the hunter who found her, Nolen said it could've been much longer before they found the remains. "I think it would have been very hard to locate from the air," he said. "I'm just very thankful for the hunter for being observant and being able to see that."Deputies called the coroner to the scene. Evidence, including identification, showed the person may be Vendula Wendy Rose, who left Ohio earlier this year to go on a hiking trip in Alabama. The remains are waiting official identification through dental records. and cause of death from an autopsy in Huntsville.Nothing indicates foul play at this time, according to Cleburne deputies. The death is under investigation.The coroner spoke with Rose's husband, who said if it is her, he is relieved for the closure.BackgroundOn Sept. 20, Vendula Rose told her family and friends that she would be going on a hiking trip to Alabama. She mentioned that she would be leaving some personal items behind in a safety deposit box at her bank and decided to leave her work keys with her employer.Rose left Ohio that same day, arriving in the Dugger Mountain area of Cleburne/Calhoun County hours later, where she reportedly hiked a portion of the Pinhoti Trail.Three days after arriving in Alabama, Rose decided to travel to South Carolina. She arrived in the early hours of Sept. 24 before returning to Alabama later that night.She was then captured on camera making a purchase at a business in Oxford before driving to Cheaha State Park, where her vehicle was later found parked at the Pinhoti Trailhead.Over a week later, a missing persons report was filed in Marysville, Ohio, after Rose failed to return to work.On Oct. 5, deputies with the Cleburne County Sheriff's Office, alongside a Cheaha State Park Ranger, conducted an immediate search of the park after Rose's vehicle was located. They said inside, they found notes that could indicate a mental health crisis and a box of ammunition with missing rounds.Previous story: Box of ammo, 'abnormal' notes found in car of Ohio woman reported missing during Alabama hiking tripThe Pinhoti Trail is 130 miles long, stretching all the way into north Georgia. This is a developing story and will be updated as information becomes available. Stay updated on the latest stories with the WVTM 13 app. You can download it here.
CLEBURNE COUNTY, Ala. —
A body found in Cleburne County Saturday is believed to be that of a woman who has been missing for several weeks.
The Cleburne County Sheriff's Office posted on social media that a hunter discovered human remains in an area off Alabama 281, about five miles south of Cheaha State Park.
She was found in a secluded area away from paths and trails, according to officials. There was overhead foliage, which made it hard for officials to find her from above.
"The cover that was over the entire campsite was a color that matched the ground covering that matched with the canopy in the trees," Chief Deputy Patrick Nolen said.
If it weren't for the hunter who found her, Nolen said it could've been much longer before they found the remains.
"I think it would have been very hard to locate from the air," he said. "I'm just very thankful for the hunter for being observant and being able to see that."
Deputies called the coroner to the scene. Evidence, including identification, showed the person may be Vendula Wendy Rose, who left Ohio earlier this year to go on a hiking trip in Alabama.
The remains are waiting official identification through dental records. and cause of death from an autopsy in Huntsville.
Nothing indicates foul play at this time, according to Cleburne deputies. The death is under investigation.
The coroner spoke with Rose's husband, who said if it is her, he is relieved for the closure.
Background
On Sept. 20, Vendula Rose told her family and friends that she would be going on a hiking trip to Alabama. She mentioned that she would be leaving some personal items behind in a safety deposit box at her bank and decided to leave her work keys with her employer.
Rose left Ohio that same day, arriving in the Dugger Mountain area of Cleburne/Calhoun County hours later, where she reportedly hiked a portion of the Pinhoti Trail.
Three days after arriving in Alabama, Rose decided to travel to South Carolina. She arrived in the early hours of Sept. 24 before returning to Alabama later that night.
She was then captured on camera making a purchase at a business in Oxford before driving to Cheaha State Park, where her vehicle was later found parked at the Pinhoti Trailhead.
Over a week later, a missing persons report was filed in Marysville, Ohio, after Rose failed to return to work.
On Oct. 5, deputies with the Cleburne County Sheriff's Office, alongside a Cheaha State Park Ranger, conducted an immediate search of the park after Rose's vehicle was located.
Cleburne County Sheriff's Office
They said inside, they found notes that could indicate a mental health crisis and a box of ammunition with missing rounds.
Previous story: Box of ammo, 'abnormal' notes found in car of Ohio woman reported missing during Alabama hiking trip
The Pinhoti Trail is 130 miles long, stretching all the way into north Georgia.
Cleburne County Sheriff's Office
This is a developing story and will be updated as information becomes available. Stay updated on the latest stories with the WVTM 13 app. You can download it here.
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