Phillips, 30, was reported missing on June 7. Authorities said she was last seen several days earlier, on June 3, in a public area near the district of San Salvador de Barú in Pérez Zeledón Canton, San José Province.

Although the missing-person report was filed June 7, investigators did not immediately release information about the case. Officials said such delays are common because authorities often pursue initial leads before seeking help from the public. When those efforts produced limited results, investigators decided to publicize the case.

According to available information, Phillips was visiting Costa Rica as a tourist and had traveled to Pérez Zeledón to hike in the mountains. She reportedly disappeared following flooding and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in the region.

Phillips' family has launched a GoFundMe campaign with a $20,000 fundraising goal to support volunteer search efforts.

"Due to ongoing severe weather conditions in Costa Rica, the search efforts have been temporarily paused," campaign organizer Kaylee Baker wrote in an update posted on the fundraising page. "However, the search is expected to resume once conditions improve and the drier season begins."

Authorities have not released additional details because the investigation remains active. Officials said only Phillips' immediate family members may request further information about the case.

The OIJ is asking anyone with information that could help locate Phillips to come forward. Tips can be submitted confidentially through the agency's 10-digit hotline at 800-8000-645 or via WhatsApp at 8800-0645.

According to the U.S. Embassy, embassy personnel assist in locating U.S. citizens overseas when relatives or friends express concerns about their welfare or need to notify them of emergencies at home.

The U.S. Department of State and U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide handle more than 200,000 welfare and whereabouts inquiries each year, according to information published on the embassy's website.

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