A 28-year-old Barrow-area woman missing since May was found dead this month south of the city, North Slope Borough police said Thursday.
Eliza Mae Simmonds was last seen alive May 13 and was reported missing by a family member on May 18, police said. A Facebook page indicated Simmonds lived in Atqasuk, a village south of Barrow, and worked for the borough public works department.
Police and volunteers searched for Simmonds for days, even flying a helicopter over sea ice. On July 5, someone found a body about seven miles south of Barrow. Police said in a written statement Thursday that a medical examiner had identified the body as Simmonds'.
Police Chief Leon Boyea said investigators have not yet received a report on the cause of Simmonds' death. Boyea would not comment on whether foul play was suspected.
"We have an ongoing investigation into the events surrounding her disappearance and subsequent death," Boyea said.
The North Slope police ask that anyone with useful information call them at 852-6111.
By CASEY GROVE
Anchorage Daily News