- A body has been recovered in Costa Rica where hiker Ashley Phillips went missing during severe weather.
- The remains have not yet been formally identified by authorities.
- Heavy rainfall and flooding hampered rescue operations throughout the search efforts for Phillips.
PÉREZ ZELEDÓN, COSTA RICA — Days after an Amazon delivery driver in California claimed a cat he took from a family's porch was actually his missing pet, another California family is facing a far more devastating ordeal. This time, authorities searching for missing hiker Ashley Phillips have recovered a body in the area where the 30-year-old disappeared during severe weather in Costa Rica.
Costa Rican officials have not yet confirmed whether the remains belong to Phillips.
However, authorities said the body was discovered in the same region where extensive searches had been underway since her disappearance earlier this month.
Body Recovered From River Area
Video released by Costa Rican rescue crews showed emergency personnel using ropes and harnesses to recover a body from a river.
Officials said the remains were found in an area affected by heavy rainfall and flooding.
The body has not been formally identified.
Authorities said forensic examinations will be necessary before any official confirmation is made.
Missing During Jungle Hike
Phillips disappeared after setting out on a hike near Costa Rica's Diamanté Valley.
She had been staying at HOME Farm, a regenerative retreat located in the rainforest near the Nauyaca waterfalls.
According to family members, severe weather moved into the region during the time she was hiking.
Flooding and mudslides quickly created dangerous conditions throughout the area.
Costa Rican authorities previously told Phillips' family they believed her disappearance may have involved a water-related accident.
Search Hampered by Weather
Search efforts began shortly after Phillips was reported missing.
However, persistent rainfall, unstable terrain, and the threat of additional landslides repeatedly disrupted rescue operations.
Costa Rica's National Emergency Commission had issued weather alerts warning of saturated soils, flash flooding, and increased landslide risks across the country.
At times, rescue teams were forced to temporarily suspend operations until conditions improved.
Despite the setbacks, crews eventually resumed searching.
Family Endures "Worst Nightmare"
A GoFundMe established by loved ones described the ordeal as every family's worst nightmare.
"For the past seven days, the Jonkey and Phillips family have been living through every parent's and sibling's worst nightmare," organizers wrote.
The fundraiser has helped support volunteer search efforts and provide assistance to Phillips' family.
Loved ones also said they have been finding ways to honor Ashley's deep love for animals during the difficult wait for answers.
Seeking Closure
Phillips' father previously described the area where she had been staying as isolated, with limited emergency resources nearby.
He recalled their final conversations, including Ashley sharing simple moments from her trip and talking about a baby pineapple she had discovered growing nearby.
Authorities continue working to formally identify the recovered remains.
Until that process is complete, Phillips' family remains caught between grief and hope.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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