Hiker Finds Physique of Girl, 21, Lacking Since August in South Dakota

A hiker in South Dakota discovered the physique of a 21-year-old girl who went lacking again in August 2024.

On Wednesday, March 12, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Workplace (PCSO) introduced on social media that authorities recognized the stays of Sahela Sangrait, a Field Elder girl who was first reported lacking on Aug. 10.

The identification comes every week after a hiker made a name a few “badly decomposed physique” on the afternoon of March 4. PCSO officers have been dispatched to an space south of Hill Metropolis — close to the road of each Pennington and Custer counties — later within the day.

On the time, the stays “didn’t have any figuring out data accessible,” the PCSO wrote on Fb and Instagram.

In a March 6 replace, the PCSO mentioned it was involved with a neighborhood forensic dentist and had performed an post-mortem, earlier than sharing in its newest notice that it has notified Sangrait’s household.

The case is now being investigated as a murder, the PCSO mentioned.

In accordance with a submit on the South Dakota Lacking Individuals Alerts Fb web page, as initially reported by ABC affiliate KOTA-TV, Sangrait was final believed to be staying with a pal in Eagle Butte.

She “left stating that she could be touring to Field Elder to get a few of her issues” forward of a visit to California, and there had been “zero contact” since, per a lacking individuals flyer.

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An administrator for the group up to date the group about Sangrait’s demise earlier within the week, writing that the 21-year-old was “discovered an angel.” Additionally they shared their condolences along with her household and buddies, who “by no means stopped making an attempt to get solutions for Shy.”

“I do know she shall be watching over you, essentially the most lovely angel,” the message learn. “I am praying you’ll be able to discover consolation within the recollections you’ve gotten made with Shy within the time you had.”

The PCSO didn’t instantly reply to PEOPLE’s request for added data on Saturday, March 15.

Authorities are encouraging anybody with “pertinent data” to contact investigator Jorge Salas.

The PCSO is investigating alongside the Speedy Metropolis Police Division and “a number of native, state and federal regulation enforcement companies,” together with the Bureau of Indian Affairs Lacking and Murdered Unit.