A hiker who went missing four months ago has been found dead by a search dog.
Sue Mi Ko, 51, went on a walk on 9 January and never returned, sparking widespread concern among her family and friends.
At the time, police said that they were not treating the situation as suspicious.
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Search efforts were initially delayed due to “difficult terrain”, the rescue team revealed in a social media post.
But during a recent training session, Sue’s body was found.
North Country Search Dogs, a local search and rescue organisation, revealed it was the third time dogs were deployed to look for Sue.
“Yesterday one of our search dogs located the remains of Sue Mi Ko, who has been missing since early January,” said North Country Search Dogs.
“She has been on everyone’s minds in the North East Kingdom since search efforts were hampered and delayed by difficult terrain and high snowpack.
“North Country Search Dogs has been very invested in this search.
“This was the third time our dogs were deployed to look for Sue Mi and we’ve been impatiently waiting for the snow to melt so we could get back out there.
“We were searching yesterday in parallel with the Vermont State Police SAR team who were conducting a team training in the area.”
Sue went missing while on the Mount Pisgah trailhead, located in Westmore, Vermont.
The Vermont State Police announced that Sue, from a town in Vermont called Craftsbury, had been found on the afternoon of 30 April, as reported by Need To Know.
According to police, crews recovered her body several hundred yards from the Mount Pisgah trailhead.
North Country Search Dogs expressed relief that it was able to “provide some closure”.
It also credited the organisation’s German Shepherd, Radar, and his handler, Katie, for making the find.
The organisation said: “We’re so proud and honored to provide some closure for Sue Mi’s family, who have been through the agony of unknowing and can now begin the next stage of the grieving process.
“Our thoughts are with them.
“The find was made by Radar, our striking black German Shepherd.
“He worked hard yesterday and delivered the result we have all been hoping for, making the find and then coming back to tell his handler, Katie.
“A find like this is the result of countless hours of training and we commend Radar and Katie for their dedication.”
Sue’s body. was found on 30 April.
The Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington will now conduct an autopsy to determine the Sue’s cause and manner of death, as reported by PEOPLE.
Police have maintained that there are no indications that Sue’s disappearance was suspicious.
After the rescue team shared the news online, many people expressed gratitude for their work.
Eric said: “Well done North Country.”
Ursus said: “Love and gratitude for Katie and Radar. Heroes.”
“So very thankful for you both, Katie and Radar,” Michele added.
Wendy said: “Great job, Radar. We’re so proud of you.”
“May she rest in peace,” added Marshall.
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