After being missing for two months, the body of an Ohio Walmart employee was found by a hunter in Alabama. She had gone on a solo hiking trip.
The body of Vendula “Wendy” Rose, 41, originally from the Czech Republic and a resident of the United States for over 20 years, was discovered on November 30. She was found in a hammock about five miles from her car at Cheaha State Park.
Rose left her home in Marysville, Ohio, on September 20 for what she told her family would be a hiking trip in Alabama. Authorities described her pre-departure activities, such as leaving money at a bank and giving her work keys to her employer, as unusual.
Officials traced Rose’s movements across multiple states. She arrived in Alabama, then traveled to South Carolina before returning to Alabama on September 24. Her last known location was captured by security cameras at a store in Oxford, Alabama, about 60 miles from Birmingham.
When Rose did not return to work, a missing person investigation was initiated on October 4. Her silver Honda was found the next day at the entrance to a trail at Cheaha State Park. Inside the car, investigators discovered unusual notes and ammunition, with seven rounds missing.
The search for Rose expanded to include rescue squads, K9 units, and mounted teams, covering over 36 miles of trails. Despite this extensive search, Rose remained missing until a hunter found her body in an isolated area off the main hiking trails.
The area where Rose’s body was found had a camouflaged campsite that blended with the forest. Identification cards were found near the body, and dental records later confirmed the identity as Rose’s. The Cleburne County Coroner’s Office is still working to determine the cause of death, citing difficulties in obtaining sufficient DNA evidence.
During the search, Rose’s daughter Dana expressed concerns about the various theories circulating online about her mother’s disappearance. Rose’s sister-in-law, Sarah, posted on social media about the family’s relief at finding closure, stating, “Although this was not the outcome we were hoping for we realize that having closure was a blessing.”
Rose was originally from Kolin, a small town in the Czech Republic. While visiting Prague, her future husband David met her by asking for directions, which led to a dance and ultimately led to a love story. According to their daughter Dana, Rose moved to the United States in 2001 when she was 18.
Rose worked in the security department at Walmart and had diverse interests and talents. She was a professional dog trainer, a poet, a mechanic, a test driver, and enjoyed horseback riding. Her daughter, Dana, noted that Rose had a special connection with nature and often dreamed of living in a cabin.
Law enforcement officials stated that they do not suspect any criminal activity in this case. They believe Rose may have been dealing with mental health issues at the time of her disappearance.