American hiker vanishes on tropical trek as flash floods, mudslides turn jungle getaway into desperate search
A California tourist has vanished in Costa Rica after severe flash flooding and mudslides struck the region during her hike, sparking a desperate search that has now been stalled by torrential rains.
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Ashley Phillips, 30, has been missing since June 2. Now, 13 days into her disappearance, her family says they are living through their "worst nightmare" as hazardous conditions force search-and-rescue teams to stand down.
Costa Rican authorities have issued a nationwide green alert, warning that an intensifying rainy season and a developing Pacific low-pressure system threaten to trigger even more catastrophic landslides.
In an update on June 12, the family marked 10 days since Phillips' disappearance, noting search efforts had become difficult because of the weather.
"Due to ongoing severe weather conditions in Costa Rica, the search efforts have been temporarily paused," the family wrote in a GoFundMe. "However, the search is expected to resume once conditions improve and the drier season begins."
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Costa Rica is currently under a nationwide green alert as authorities warn of heavier rains, saturated soils and a growing risk of flooding and landslides across several regions.
On June 4, the National Emergency Commission declared the alert for the entire country with unstable weather expected to continue for the next couple of weeks.
While they continue to wait, Phillips' loved ones are finding ways to honor her.
"As her family reflects on Ashley’s life, they are finding ways to honor her, especially her deep love for animals," the family wrote in the update.
"We continue to ask for your prayers for Ashley, for her family, and for peace, strength, and closure during this time," the family wrote. "Thank you all so much."
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I am just an average American. My teen years were in the late 70s and I participated in all that that decade offered. Started working young, too young. Then I joined the Army before I graduated High School. I spent 25 years in, mostly in Infantry units. Since then I've worked in information technology positions all at small family owned companies. At this rate I'll never be a tech millionaire. When I was young I rode horses as much as I could. I do believe I should have been a cowboy. I'm getting in the saddle again by taking riding lessons and see where it goes.
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