An Ohio Walmart employee, missing for two months after setting off on a solo hiking trip, was found dead by a hunter in Alabama.
The body of Vendula “Wendy” Rose, 41, originally from the Czech Republic and a resident of the United States for over 20 years, was discovered on November 30. She was found in a hammock around five miles from where she had parked her vehicle at Cheaha State Park.
Rose, a resident of Marysville, Ohio, began her hiking trip to Alabama on September 20. Before her departure, she made several preparations that were later deemed unusual by authorities, such as leaving money at a bank and returning her work keys to her employer.
Law enforcement officials traced Rose’s movements across several states. She initially arrived in Alabama, then traveled to South Carolina before returning to Alabama on September 24. Her last known whereabouts were recorded by security cameras at a store in Oxford, Alabama, approximately 60 miles from Birmingham.
When Rose did not return to work, a missing person investigation was launched on October 4. The following day, her silver Honda was found at the entrance to a trail at Cheaha State Park. Inside the vehicle, investigators found unusual notes and ammunition with seven rounds missing.
The search extended to include rescue squads, K9 units, and mounted teams, covering over 36 trail miles. Despite these efforts, Rose remained missing until her body was discovered by a hunter in a remote, rugged area off the main hiking tracks.
Rose’s campsite, complete with a camouflaged canopy that blended with the surrounding forest, was near the discovery site. Identification cards found near her body, along with dental records, confirmed her identity. The cause of death is still being determined by officials from the Cleburne County Coroner’s Office, who noted difficulties in obtaining enough DNA evidence.
Throughout the search, Dana, Rose’s daughter, voiced her concerns about various theories circulating online about her mother’s disappearance. Rose’s sister-in-law, Sarah, expressed the family’s relief at gaining closure on social media, 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 took a romantic turn when she met her future husband, David, during his visit to Prague. The chance meeting, which began with David asking for directions and then for a dance, sparked a love story. Rose moved to the United States in 2001 when she was 18 years old.
Besides her role in Walmart’s security department, Rose had a variety of hobbies and skills. She professionally trained dogs, wrote poetry, worked as a mechanic, performed vehicle test drives, and enjoyed horseback riding. Her daughter Dana remarked that Rose had a unique affinity for the outdoors and often talked about her dream of living in a cabin.
Law enforcement officials have ruled out foul play in Rose’s case. Investigators suspect Rose may have been dealing with mental health issues at the time of her disappearance.
