Shortly before 9:30 a.m. this morning (Aug. 30), search and rescue technicians working to locate missing 16-year-old Kaitlin Heidelbach located a body in the Twin Falls trail area near Ladysmith. While formal identification has yet to be made by the BC Coroners Service, police believe this to be the body of Heidelbach, who was last heard from at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29.
"An investigation is underway by the Ladysmith RCMP and the BC Coroners Service," states a press release from the RCMP. "While this investigation is in its early stages, there is no indication that foul play was involved."
Heidelbach had texted her father, Neil, at 6:30 p.m. yesterday (Thursday, August 29) telling him she was going for a walk and that she'd be home in two hours. She had not been seen or heard from by this morning. Since 12:50 a.m., search and rescue crews from Ladysmith, Nanaimo and the Cowichan Valley and the RCMP's Air 8 helicopter were involved in a search for Heidelbach, along with family and friends.
Ladysmith RCMP officers have notified the Heidelbach family, and they will continue to support them in the very difficult days ahead.
RCMP Victim Services are available to anyone impacted by this tragedy. This free service can be reached by calling the Ladysmith RCMP Detachment at 250-245-2215.