The remains of an Ohio Walmart worker, reported missing for two months following her solo hiking trip, were discovered by a hunter in Alabama.
Vendula “Wendy” Rose, a 41-year-old native of the Czech Republic who had been residing in the United States for over 20 years, was found on November 30. She was located in a hammock in the woods about five miles from where she had parked her vehicle at Cheaha State Park.
Rose left her home in Marysville, Ohio, on September 20, telling relatives she was embarking on a hiking journey to Alabama. Prior to her departure, she executed several actions that law enforcement later labeled as peculiar, such as leaving money in a bank and handing over her work keys to her employer.
Authorities traced Rose’s travels through multiple states. After reaching Alabama, she went on to South Carolina before returning back to Alabama on September 24. Surveillance footage recorded her last documented movements at a store in Oxford, Alabama, roughly 60 miles from Birmingham.
When Rose did not report back to work, a missing person investigation was initiated by law enforcement on October 4. The next day, search teams found her silver Honda parked at the entrance of a trail at Cheaha State Park. Inside the vehicle, they found unusual notes and ammunition, with seven rounds missing.
The search mission broadened to include rescue teams, K9 units, and mounted squads, spanning more than 36 trail miles. Despite exhaustive efforts, Rose was not found until the hunter discovered her body in a secluded area characterized by authorities as “rough” terrain, away from the primary hiking routes.
The area where Rose was discovered included a campsite with a camouflaged canopy that merged into the surrounding woods. Identification cards were discovered near the body, and dental records subsequently confirmed the identity as Rose. The cause of death is still being determined, according to Adam Downs from the Cleburne County Coroner’s Office, who mentioned challenges with securing sufficient DNA evidence.
Throughout the search, Rose’s daughter Dana voiced her concerns, addressing various speculations that were circulating online regarding her mother’s disappearance. Rose’s sister-in-law, Sarah, acknowledged on social media the family’s relief at finding closure, stating, “Although this was not the outcome we were hoping for we realize that having closure was a blessing.”
Originally from Kolin, a small town in the Czech Republic, Rose’s life changed when she met her future husband David while he was visiting Prague. Their first meeting took place when David needed directions and asked her to dance. Their daughter Dana recounted how this simple encounter led to a love story. Rose moved to the United States in 2001 when she was 18 years old.
Rose worked in the security department at Walmart but had a wide range of interests and skills. She professionally trained dogs, wrote poetry, worked as a mechanic, test-drove vehicles, and enjoyed horseback riding. Her daughter Dana noted that Rose had a profound connection to nature, often expressing her dream of living in a cabin.
Investigators do not suspect foul play in Rose’s case. They believe that Rose may have been dealing with mental health issues at the time of her disappearance.
