The body found by hunters in a hammock in Alabama’s Talladega National Forest has been identified as an Ohio hiker who went missing months ago.
The Alabama Department of Forensic Science alerted Cleburne County Coroner Adam Downs on Wednesday that the remains were those of Vendula “Wendy” Rose, a 41-year-old wife and mother who went missing in September while on a hiking and camping vacation in east Alabama.
“Although this is not the outcome the family wanted nor expected, it is our hearts’ desire that this will allow the family to have closure,’’ Downs said. “Please join me in prayer for the family as they mourn the loss of their beloved mother, wife, daughter and sister.”
According to Downs, the cause of death is still under investigation.
Authorities had earlier stated that there was no evidence of foul play.
The hunt for Rose, a seasoned hiker, began in early October when she went on a camping trip to Alabama and did not return home on Oct. 2.
We found her vehicle, a silver Honda Accord with the Ohio tag “CHKSFLY,” at the Pinhoti trailhead in Cheaha State Park.
Investigators found notes in her vehicle that were deemed “abnormal unless she was experiencing a mental health crisis,” along with a box of ammo missing seven rounds.
Rose discussed hiking in Alabama with family and friends before September 20.
She also discussed with family members the possibility of leaving some personal goods in a safe deposit box at her bank. She also left her job keys with her employer, which was unusual for her before leaving for the trip, according to investigators.
Multiple law enforcement organizations conducted a wide and thorough search for Rose.
On Saturday, November 30, a hunter dialed 911 from a location on Cheaha Mountain that is open to deer hunters this time of year. The caller claimed he and a companion had discovered a body.
The spot was approximately five miles from Rose’s vehicle and 75 yards from a roadbed. Authorities described the terrain as “rough” and asserted its isolation from any neighboring paths.
Investigators discovered what they believe to be Rose’s encampment. Rose’s body was in a covered hammock, and a canopy hung over the whole encampment. The canopy was the same color as the forests, making air searches difficult.
Items discovered at the campsite, including Rose’s ID and other cards, led them to suspect the body was Rose’s.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Cleburne County Investigator Sims at 256-463-2277, ext. 110. You can anonymously leave tips at 256-463-2277, Option 4.