Woman drove 600 miles for camping trip in Alabama and didn’t return, Ohio cops say

A woman was reported missing when she didn’t return home to Ohio after a camping trip in Alabama — then her vehicle was found empty at a state park, authorities said.

Vendula “Wendy” Rose was last seen Sept. 24, according to the Marysville Police Division in Ohio. Rose drove about 600 miles for a camping trip at Cheaha State Park, where her vehicle was eventually found parked near Pinhoti Trail, police said.

She was supposed to return home Oct. 2, but that day came and went, and her family reported her missing, according to police.

Deputies with the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Department have searched 36 miles of trails by foot as of Oct. 7, and independent hikers have shared they’re also looking for her.

“We want to take a moment to thank each and every agency and civilian who has helped with this case,” Alabama deputies said in an Oct. 7 news release. “There were so many volunteers, K9s & equine groups that assisted along with the Aviation Unit and other law enforcement agencies. There are simply too many to mention at this time.”

Crews also used drones to look for Rose over difficult terrain that can’t be searched by helicopter or on foot, but deputies aren’t sure which direction Rose may have been traveling, law enforcement said.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, the “Pinhoti National Recreation Trail offers more than 145 miles of moderate to difficult hiking opportunities.”

Search efforts continue. Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator Dalton Sims at the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Department at 256-463-2277 ext. 110.

Cheaha State Park is in central Alabama, about an 80-mile drive east from Birmingham.

This story was originally published October 8, 2024 at 11:29 AM with the headline "Woman drove 600 miles for camping trip in Alabama and didn’t return, Ohio cops say."