Ashley Phillips Missing 13 Days in Costa Rica Floods

Ashley Phillips, a 30-year-old California tourist, has been missing in costa rica since June 2 after severe flash flooding and mudslides struck while she was hiking. Her family said the search has been temporarily paused because of ongoing severe weather, and Phillips was still missing 13 days after she disappeared.

The family wrote in a June 12 GoFundMe update that, “Due to ongoing severe weather conditions in Costa Rica, the search efforts have been temporarily paused.” They added, “However, the search is expected to resume once conditions improve and the drier season begins.”

June 4 green alert

Costa Rican authorities issued a nationwide green alert on June 4 after the National Emergency Commission said unstable weather was expected to continue for the next couple of weeks. Officials warned of heavier rains, saturated soils and a growing risk of flooding and landslides across several regions, the same conditions that disrupted the search for Phillips.

Phillips disappeared on June 2 while going hiking in Costa Rica. Her family said on June 12 that 10 days had passed since her disappearance, and that the pause in search efforts had left the operation dependent on weather improving before teams could resume work.

Family fundraiser for Ashley Phillips

Phillips’ family and friends also set up a GoFundMe after she disappeared. In the June 12 update, the family wrote, “As her family reflects on Ashley’s life, they are finding ways to honor her, especially her deep love for animals,” and, “We continue to ask for your prayers for Ashley, for her family, and for peace, strength, and closure during this time,” followed by, “Thank you all so much.”

The immediate next step is weather-driven: search teams are waiting for conditions to improve and for the drier season to begin before resuming efforts for Phillips in Costa Rica.