Body of Female Hiker, 40, Found in Calif. River 4 Days After She Vanished While Walking Dog

The body of a California hiker who went missing while walking her dog has been recovered, authorities confirmed.

On Monday, Jan. 5, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office announced that the remains of 40-year-old Eryn VanAcker were found in the North Fork of the American River.

According to officials, dive teams from the Placer County Sheriff’s Office and the CAL FIRE NEU/PCFD Technical Rescue Team located and recovered VanAcker from the river using advanced resources, including an unmanned aerial system drone. Additional aerial intelligence support was provided by Cal OES FIRIS.

“This outcome is not what anyone hoped for,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “Our deepest condolences are with Eryn’s family, friends, and loved ones as they navigate this unimaginable loss.”

Authorities also expressed gratitude to the many agencies and personnel who assisted in the search efforts over several days.

VanAcker had been missing since Friday, Jan. 2. In an earlier update issued Monday, officials said they believed she entered the water upstream from Lake Clementine and was swept away by the current. Search operations included raft teams, drones, K9 units, and marine crews.

Investigators said VanAcker was last seen walking her dog along a trail at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Friday. Her dog was found unattended about 15 minutes later. Search teams were deployed around 6:00 p.m. that evening, after her vehicle was discovered nearby along with her phone and a dog bowl close to the river.

“Please keep Eryn’s loved ones in your thoughts during this incredibly difficult time,” the Sheriff’s Office said in its final statement.