Death of Marysville woman under investigation after body found in Alabama forest

DELTA, Ala. (WCMH) – The Cleburne County Sheriff's Office said it is still investigating the death of a Marysville woman who went missing and was found dead in a remote area of eastern Alabama.

The sheriff’s office said Monday during a news conference that Vendula “Wendy” Rose was found Saturday about five miles north of the Pinhoti Trailhead in Cheaha State Park, which is where authorities originally found her car on Oct. 8, six days after she was reported missing.

Rose’s body was discovered by a hunter, deputies said, in the Talladega National Forest. The hunter told deputies he came across a campsite and saw what appeared to be a body inside a hammock style tent. Identification was made based on photos and on ID cards in a nearby bag.

Deputies said they are still investigating and would not say whether foul play was suspected.

“At this point in time, it is under investigation,” Cleburne County Coroner Adam Downs said regarding whether they thought Rose’s death was the result of foul play. “I’m going to leave all those questions to the sheriff’s office in terms of foul play.”

Reports of Rose's disappearance were received after she never returned from her camping trip. Police said she was last seen Sept. 24 and had been scheduled to return home on Oct. 2.

After Rose’s car was found, search parties looked for her on foot through 36 miles of surrounding trails and also checked remote areas with helicopters and drones.

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff's office at 256-463-2277.

Nexstar's WIAT contributed to this report.