- Elena Katherine Moore, a 39-year-old personal trainer, was found deceased in Lexington, South Carolina, days after her disappearance.
- Moore went missing on June 11 after leaving a gym, with her last known location captured on surveillance footage.
- Authorities have launched an active death investigation following the discovery, but no cause of death has been determined.
LEXINGTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — Months after South Carolina woman Dana Kinlaw was killed after traveling to meet someone she believed was selling a puppy, another disappearance in the state has taken a heartbreaking turn. This time, investigators searching for missing personal trainer Elena Katherine Moore have found a body matching her description.
Authorities said the body was discovered Wednesday afternoon in a wooded area near North Lake Drive and Old Cherokee Road in Lexington.
The discovery came nearly a week after Moore, 39, vanished after leaving a Planet Fitness gym.
Body Found During Search
Lexington Police Chief Terrence Green said investigators launched a targeted search after receiving information from a citizen tip.
At approximately 2:48 p.m., search crews located a body wearing clothing consistent with what Moore had been seen wearing before her disappearance.
Officials said the body has not yet been formally identified.
"We are still waiting on the coroner to identify her," Green said during a press briefing.
Missing After Leaving Gym
Moore was last seen on June 11.
Police said she signed into Planet Fitness on Whiteford Way around 6:40 p.m.
Surveillance footage later captured her walking through a nearby Publix parking lot at approximately 9:17 p.m.
She was wearing an olive-green zip-up hoodie and black athletic pants.
Investigators said Moore appeared to be heading toward the area of Old Cherokee Road.
Reported Missing By Husband
Moore's husband reported her missing the following day.
Police described her disappearance as highly unusual, noting that she regularly attended the gym and maintained frequent contact with others.
Friends also said it was unlike Moore to suddenly disappear.
Several people noted that she had stopped posting on social media weeks before she vanished, which they described as out of character.
Investigation Expands
Following the discovery of the body, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) joined the case.
Authorities said the investigation has now been classified as an active death investigation.
Officials stressed that no cause of death has been determined.
The Lexington County Coroner's Office said an autopsy would be scheduled in the coming days.
Investigators have not stated whether foul play is suspected.
Community Awaits Answers
Moore worked as a personal trainer at Wolf's Fitness Center and also as a pharmacy technician at CVS.
Friends described her as caring, hardworking, and dedicated to helping others improve their health.
As investigators work to determine exactly what happened, loved ones continue hoping for answers about the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and death.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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