Tragic update for former Army sergeant who went missing after her dog fell in a Washington State river
The body of a former Army sergeant has been found after she fell into a Washington State river with her dog almost a week ago.
The body of a former Army sergeant has been found after she fell into a Washington State river with her dog almost a week ago.
The body of Zuleika Witron, 28, was found in the river after being spotted by a civilian flying a drone on Friday morning, the Pierce County Sheriffs Department said in a press release.
On Sunday, Witron had slipped into the river and was recovered about two miles downriver, according to Deputy Carly Cappetto.
She and her girlfriend had been hiking with two dogs before she and one of the dogs fell off the Fairfax Bridge in Washingtons Mount Rainier National Park, police said.
Witron plunged into the Carbon River and her girlfriend witnessed her being swept away in the heavy currently and attempted to grab her before being swept away in the rapids.
Her dog, which had fallen in with her, was rescued about a quarter mile downstream and returned to Witrons girlfriend, police said.
Central Pierce Fire, Ortin Swift Water, and Pierce County Sheriff Swift Water repsonded with a rope team and a boat to recover [Witron], the police press release stated. Several family members remained on scene while the recovery efforts progressed.
Witrons younger sister Kiara told Fox 13: I told her I love her, and I miss her, and Im so sorry this happened to her, but I promise to make her proud, and I dedicate my life to her.
The body of Zuleika Witron, 28, was found in the river after being spotted by a civilian flying a drone on Friday morning
Zulies dog, Mace, was close to the edge of the canyon, and my sister attempted to reach to grab her, and they both slipped and feel from extreme heights into the Carbon River, the GoFundMe said
My heart is like, in a million pieces, but Im trying my best to stay strong because I know my sister and I know she loves me very much and the last thing shed want me to be is devastated, Witrons younger sister Kiara said
Witron plunged into the Carbon River and her girlfriend witnessed her being swept away in the heavy currently and attempted to grab her before being swept away in the rapids
My heart is like, in a million pieces, but Im trying my best to stay strong because I know my sister and I know she loves me very much and the last thing shed want me to be is devastated, she continued.
Kiara said her sister served as an Army medic, and wanted to help as many people as possible, including animals.
As weve seen, like my sister would give up her life for her dog, and she would have done this under any circumstance. So, as hurt as I am, Im not upset with her for this decision.
While Kiara grieves the loss of her older sister, she said the search effort has been heartwarming.
I just couldnt be any more thankful for everyones support, she said.
A GoFundMe was created and further explained the tragic sequence of events.
Zulies dog, Mace, was close to the edge of the canyon, and my sister attempted to reach to grab her, and they both slipped and feel from extreme heights into the Carbon River, it said.
We want to thank all the first responders and volunteers that put many hours into this search since Sunday, the sheriffs department said in a press release.
Zuleika’s recovery can hopefully bring closure and peace to the family and all involved in this tragic incident.