A U.S. citizen who had been reported missing earlier this month was found dead in southern Costa Rica after an extensive search effort, according to the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ).

Authorities identified the woman as Nicole Ashley Phillips, 30, a U.S. tourist who disappeared while visiting the Pérez Zeledón Canton in San José Province.

According to the OIJ, Phillips' body was discovered on June 17 by a rescue team composed of Red Cross personnel, firefighters and volunteers along the banks of the Barú River in Pérez Zeledón.

Judicial investigators responded to the scene and coordinated the transfer of Phillips' remains to the OIJ forensic morgue in Heredia Province. A forensic autopsy was conducted to determine the official cause of death.

However, Phillips's remains were confirmed by authorities on Saturday, June 20.

Phillips was reported missing by family members on June 7. Authorities said she was last seen June 3 near Nauyaca Falls, on the Baru River.

According to reports, Phillips was visiting Costa Rica as a tourist and had traveled to the mountainous region of Pérez Zeledón to hike and stay at a local hostel.

Authorities believe she disappeared following severe flooding and landslides caused by heavy rainfall in the area.

After her disappearance was reported, rescue teams from the Red Cross and Fire Department, assisted by volunteers, conducted search operations for more than 10 days along the Barú River near the area where Phillips was last seen. The search continued without success until her body was located Wednesday afternoon.

During the search effort, Phillips' family launched a GoFundMe campaign with a fundraising goal of $20,000 to support volunteer search operations.

"With broken hearts, we share the news that Ashley's body has been found," campaign organizer Kaylee Baker wrote in an update posted on the fundraising page. "While her family mourns this tragic loss, they find some comfort in knowing she has been found and can now be brought home."

The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica provides guidance and assistance to families of American citizens who die abroad. Services vary depending on whether relatives are traveling with the deceased and whether the individual was visiting or residing in the country.

"The Consular Section can provide information on funeral homes that arrange local burials or prepare remains for shipment to the United States," the embassy states on its website. "The Consular Section also issues a Consular Report of Death Abroad, serving as a U.S. death certificate for legal purposes."

The embassy notes that it does not pay for funeral, burial or repatriation expenses for Americans who die overseas. However, family members are not required to travel to Costa Rica to handle arrangements. Embassy personnel can assist by coordinating with local authorities and service providers on their behalf.

For additional information, the U.S. Embassy can be reached at 506-2519-2590 or 506-2519-2093. An after-hours emergency line is available at 506-2519-2000.

The Judicial Investigation Organization, a division of Costa Rica's Supreme Court of Justice, is responsible for conducting criminal investigations throughout the country. Its officers possess nationwide police authority.

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