Jennifer Coleman, 34, was found dead atop a steep and rocky area near the Continental Divide Sunday, just a few days after she was reported missing on September 1
A Virginia woman was found dead in a 'steep and rocky' area of a Montana national park five days after she was reported missing.
Jennifer Coleman's body was found near the Continental Divide in Glacier National Park on Sunday, just a few days after she was reported missing on September 1.
Officials believe Coleman, 34, was hiking alone around the Logan Pass either Monday or Tuesday. The cause of her death has not been determined, but high winds Sunday prevented authorities from recovering her body.
As many as 50 people joined the search effort after her vehicle was found in the parking lot.
Glacier National Park is famous for its pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes
Officials believe Coleman was hiking alone around the Logan Pass either Monday or Tuesday shortly before she went missing
The AWARE foundation, which advocates for missing people and of which Coleman's parents are leaders, confirmed the news in a Facebook post on Sunday.
'It is with heavy heart that we have to share this news. Jennifer Coleman, daughter of one of our own AWARE family, Hal and Sharon Coleman, has been located deceased. Details surrounding this tragedy are not available at this time. Please respect the family as they process their grief & loss. Please also respect us with the foundation as we comfort the Coleman's,' the post read.
According to AWARE, Coleman was last heard from on August 30, when she sent a text from Highline Trail/Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet in Montana.
'She was to pick up her dogs from a boarding facility the following day, but never showed to get them,' the organization, which advocates for missing persons, commented in the post.
The parents of Jennifer Coleman, who was reported missing on September 1, shared a heartbreaking Facebook post regarding their missing daughter
According to AWARE, Coleman was last heard from on August 30, when she sent a text from Highline Trail/Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet in Montana
Marilee Mason, Coleman's best friend, told WTVR that her best friend was tough as nails and an experienced hiker.
'If she's out there and she's lost, then that means she does need help,' Mason told reporters shortly after Coleman went missing. 'I just want to reach as many people as possible spread awareness, and just try, on the off chance that anybody has maybe seen her in the last three days, reach them.'
Sheriffs deputies also uncovered Coleman's belongings at her campsite at the West Glacier KOA campground while conducting a welfare check, said Glacier spokesperson Brandy Burke.
Burke told KTVR teams were out searching for Coleman Thursday and Friday on the ground and in the sky.
Glacier National Park is famous for its pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes. It's 700 miles of trails and diverse wildlife attracts hikers year round who are in search for expansive wilderness and solitude.