41-year-old Vendula Rose was last seen in Cheaha Park, Alabama on September 24, 2024. She disappeared after she left home to embark on a cross-state camping trip in the Dugger Mountain area.
Background
Vendula Rose is originally from the Czech Republic. In 2001, she moved to the United States shortly after meeting her future husband, David Rose, during his visit in Prague over Thanksgiving when she was 18 years old.
The couple settled in Ohio and have a daughter. In 2024, the family was living in Marysville, Ohio.
Before her disappearance, Vendula spoke with family and friends about her plans to take a hiking trip to Alabama. Additionally, she spoke about leaving some personal belongings in a Safe Deposit Box at her bank.
Vendula meticulously planned and packed for her trip, according to her family. However, she left her work key with her employer prior to leaving, which was abnormal for her.
Disappearance
On September 20, 2024, Vendula Rose left her home in Marysville, Ohio, to embark on a cross-state hike trip to the Dugger Mountain area in Cleburne and Calhoun County, Alabama. She proceeded to hike that portion of the Pinhoti Trailhead.
On September 23, 2024, Vendula left Alabama to travel to South Carolina where she arrived in the early morning.
On the afternoon of September 24, 2024, Vendula returned to Cleburne County, Alabama. She then traveled to Oxford, Alabama, where she was seen on surveillance camera making a purchase at a store and leaving alone.
Vendula then drove to Cheaha State Park and left her car in a parking lot at the Pinhoti Trail head, just outside the park. Vendula hasn’t been seen or heard from since.
On October 4, 2024, her family filed a missing person’s report with the Marysville Police Department when she failed to return home from her solo trip, which she was scheduled to return from on October 2.
Investigation
Vendula’s vehicle, a Silver Honda Accord with Ohio License Plate “CHKSFLY,” was found in the parking lot at the Pinhoti Trailhead near Cheaha State Park in Cleburne County, Alabama, about halfway between Birmingham and Atlanta.
On October 5, 2024, authorities began ground searches of the area with the help of K9 and aviation teams, covering over 36 miles of trails, but found no signs of Vendula.
On October 7, 2024, authorities found multiple notes in Vendula’s vehicle, suggesting she may have been suffering from a mental health crisis at the time of her disappearance. A magazine, as well as a box of ammunition missing seven rounds, was also found.
Body of Vendula Rose Found
On November 30, 2024, a hunter discovered human remains in an area off Alabama 281, about five miles south of Cheaha State Park.
Rose’s family was notified, and the Cleburne County Coroner’s Office say there’s evidence to believe the deceased individual is Vendula Rose.
An official press conference will be held at 11:00 am on December 2 to share updated information on the investigation.
On December 5, 2024, the Cleburne County Coroner’s Office positively identified the body as belonging to Vendula Rose.
Appearance
Physical Description:
White female with red/auburn hair and blue eyes. Vendula stands 5’3-5’5 tall and weighs 150-160 pounds.
Distinctive Physical Features:
No information available.
Clothing and accessories:
No information available.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Vendula Rose please contact the Marysville Police Department at (937) 645-7300, or the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Department at (256) 463-2277.
