MISSOULA, MT – The body of a missing Denver nurse was discovered in Montana, more than two weeks after she vanished from a dog park. The 33-year-old woman was last seen at a park near the University of Montana in Missoula, where police suspect she drowned in the icy waters of the Clark Fork River.
Her family, who had recently held a memorial service in Florida, received the devastating news shortly after the discovery. The nurse’s father shared his deep sorrow, describing his daughter as a “lovely girl” who was inseparable from her dog, Bomba. The two were known for their adventures together, hiking and traveling across the country.
Originally from Miami, the nurse had relocated to Denver, captivated by Colorado’s majestic mountains and vibrant lifestyle. Last month, she set out with Bomba for a new job opportunity in Tacoma, Washington, but never reached her destination. Concerned family members began calling her when she failed to make contact, only to be met with silence.
Police in Missoula had been searching for the nurse since she was last seen on February 21. Her father believes she may have fallen into the river while chasing after Bomba, as their tracks were found in the snow leading to the water’s edge.
The local community rallied around the search efforts, holding a candlelight vigil and advocating for increased safety measures at the park. The outpouring of support was immense, with the father expressing his gratitude for the community, sheriff, and police, who had worked tirelessly to find his daughter.
Despite extensive search efforts, authorities had announced their belief that she had drowned, a conclusion that left her father fearing it would be months before they could lay her to rest. The tragic discovery in the Clark Fork River has brought a painful closure to the family, who can now bring her home.
While the nurse’s body was found, Bomba remains missing. Her boyfriend, heartbroken by the news, expressed how her spirit and love for animals would be remembered by all who knew her. The family takes solace in knowing she died while trying to protect a loved one.
As parents, the father noted, they were not surprised by her selfless act. The loss of their daughter is profound, but they cling to the memories of her adventurous spirit and unwavering love for her four-legged companion.