A Ladysmith teen reported missing early Friday morning was found dead by search-and-rescue crews in the Twin Falls trail area about 9:30 a.m.
Kaitlin Brooke Heidelbach, 16, texted her father about 6:30 p.m. Thursday saying she was going out for a walk and would be home in a couple of hours.
When she didn’t return, RCMP were called. A search began about 1 a.m. Friday, with search-and-rescue personnel joining about 5 a.m.
Searchers combed the Holland Creek, Heart Lake Trail and Twin Falls area, which contains rough terrain made more hazardous by a recent storm, leading to the concern that Kaitlin may have fallen.
Island RCMP spokesman Cpl. Darren Lagan described Kaitlin at as “a very normal and happy 16-year-old girl” who would have been heading back to school in a few days.
The case is now with the B.C. Coroners Service, which will not be releasing any information until Tuesday at the earliest, said coroner Barbara McLintock.
A friend of the Heidelbach family who answered their phone Friday said they asked that no private information about the family be made public at this point.
RCMP Victim Services is available to anyone affected by Heidelbach’s death. They can be reached through the Ladysmith RCMP Detachment at 250-245-2215.
