WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — A woman was found dead in Maple Falls on Sunday, nearly a month after she was reported missing, according to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office.
Julie Montague-Ayers was reported missing on March 10 after she disappeared during a walk.
In the weeks since her disappearance, Montague-Ayers’ friends and family have led numerous search efforts and hosted a prayer vigil.
On Sunday, a person contacted the WCSO after they found what they believed to be the body of Montague-Ayers in a deep ravine in a wooded area near her family’s home.
Due to the steep terrain and adverse weather conditions, search and rescue crews were unable to safely access the area. A security team remained on the scene until the body could be recovered the next day.
Members of Bellingham Mountain Rescue reached the victim and extricated her from the ravine on Monday morning.
The victim is believed to be Montague-Ayers based on where she was found and the last known description of the woman, according to the WCSO.
The Whatcom County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official identification of the victim.
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