More than two months after an Ohio mom disappeared while on a hike in the woods in Alabama, police have announced that a hunter has found her remains. Vendula Wendy Rose, 41, traveled to Talladega National Forest on September 20, 2024, for a solo camping trip. Her family became concerned when she didn’t return as anticipated on October 2. A large-scale search effort took place over the next two months to locate Rose. Sadly, a hunter came upon human remains in the forest on November 30.
According to the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Department, Rose may have been suffering a mental health crisis at the time of her death. Investigators do not expect foul play. The discovery left Rose’s hopeful family devastated.
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Rose loved the outdoors.
According to WIAT, Rose left her home in Marysville, Ohio, to travel to Alabama to hike. She loved the outdoors and often spent time hiking and camping. She traveled to Cheaha State Park on September 24, but no one heard from her again. Her daughter, Dana Rose, told the news outlet her mother was extremely familiar with nature and knew her way around a forest.
“Once you learn to read a map, it’s not difficult to know where you are,” Dana Rose said.
Prior to the discovery of her mother’s remains, Dana Rose remained positive. “We’re really hoping she just walks out of those woods, wondering what the big deal is,” she told WIAT.
Police located Rose's car on October 5.
It’s been more than two months since police found Rose’s abandoned car at the Pinhoti Trail Head.
“The vehicle was processed to search for any type of evidence to assist with the investigation. The contents of the vehicle did produce multiple notes that were deemed as abnormal for ROSE unless she was having a mental health crisis, the sheriff’s office reported. “A magazine as well as a box of ammunition missing seven rounds of ammunition was also located in the vehicle. The data from the vehicle GPS was recovered to assist with confirming dates and locations of travel.”
A search continued for weeks.
Rose’s sister-in-law, Sarah Rose, created a Facebook Group, Missing Wendy Rose, to help raise awareness of the case. The group attracted 1,600 members who focused on helping to find the missing mother. Many people joined the search for Rose, who was ultimately found deceased on November 30. Sarah Rose posted an update in the group that day.
“We want to thank the hunter that found her and immediately reported it so that she could be recovered. We also want to thank the hiking and general community for how they all pulled together to look for her and the words of support we got throughout this process,” she wrote.
The Cleburne County coroner positively identified Rose's remains.
Per the sheriff’s office, Cleburne County Coroner Adam Downs confirmed Rose’s death. Sheriff Jon Daniel shared in a statement, “I appreciate the hard work that Coroner Downs and the Alabama Department of Forensic Science done to confidently confirm this for the family. My prayers are with Mrs. Rose’s family and friends as they go through this loss. I would like to ask each of you who have watched this case and shared.”
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The community shared condolences with the family.
Dana Rose posted her heartache on Facebook. “I miss you more than words describe. the pain in my heart only grows with every minute without you. mám tě ráda maminka.,” she wrote.
One wrote, “I’m so sorry Dana Rose. This news it’s just devastating. My heartfelt condolences. Please know that your mother spoke about you often, and was so proud of you. Words truly can’t express my sadness.”
“Dana I can’t find words to how the news made us feel. But that pails in comparison to what and how you and your Dad are feeling,” another comment reads. “The best I can do is offer prayers for healing for you both. We are always available if either of you needs anything. God bless you both.”
