Haunting words Costa Rican cops told California dad after daughter vanished at yoga retreat

Costa Rican authorities ominously told the father of a missing California woman that they believe she likely disappeared in a “water-related accident.”

The woman, 30-year-old Ashley Phillips, was last seen hiking to a waterfall on June 2, where she practiced daily yoga.

Severe weather struck the area during that time period, causing dangerous mudslides and flash flooding.

Her father Jeffrey Phillips was told by Costa Rica‘s Organismo de Investigación Judicial on Monday that she was likely involved in a water-related accident, according to The Daily Mail.

He shared a chilling video of a flash flood consuming a waterfall just a short distance from where his daughter was. 

The family previously received conflicting information from authorities about the woman’s disappearance, including some suggesting it was associated with a “crime with physical evidence.” Police later walked back that statement and said they were looking into her disappearance.

Search efforts for the young woman were stalled last week due to “ongoing severe weather conditions” in Costa Rica. Tropical Storm Cristina brought high winds, flooding and several inches of rain to the area.

Jeffrey Phillips said Ashley was staying in an “isolated area” where emergency services would be limited. Ashley Phillips appeared happy, and last spoke to her father about a little baby pineapple that was growing on a pineapple bush.

The woman was aiming for a restorative stay at HOME Farm (which stands for “Heaven On Mother Earth”) in Costa Rica’s Diamanté Valley, a regenerative sanctuary nestled in the heart of the rainforest resting on 55 acres of lush tropical jungle and sitting atop the Nauyaca waterfalls.

“We are immersed within pristine nature, vibrant fruit forests, majestic bamboo groves, clean flowing water and cozy accommodations,” the retreat describes itself.

The Phillips family last updated details about the search effort June 12 on their GoFundMe page. The fundraiser has raised just under $16,000 of its $20,000 goal.

“Today marks 10 days since Ashley went on a hike and did not return,” they wrote.

“As her family reflects on Ashley’s life, they are finding ways to honor her, especially her deep love for animals.

“Thanks to your incredible generosity, we have surpassed our goal multiple times. Donations will continue to support the dedicated volunteers who have worked tirelessly over the past 10 days to search for Ashley, with a portion also going toward a meaningful way to celebrate her life.

“We continue to ask for your prayers for Ashley, for her family, and for peace, strength, and closure during this time.”

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