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American hiker vanishes on tropical trek as flash floods, mudslides turn jungle getaway into desperate search
By Sarah Rumpf-Whitten
Published June 15, 2026
A California tourist has vanished in Costa Rica after severe flash flooding and mudslides struck the region during her hike, sparking a desperate search that has now been stalled by torrential rains.
Ashley Phillips, 30, has been missing since June 2. Now, 13 days into her disappearance, her family says they are living through their "worst nightmare" as hazardous conditions force search-and-rescue teams to stand down.
Costa Rican authorities have issued a nationwide green alert, warning that an intensifying rainy season and a developing Pacific low-pressure system threaten to trigger even more catastrophic landslides.
Ashley Phillips, 30, vanished on June 2 after dangerous weather swept through Costa Rica. (Facebook/Ashley Phillips)
In an update on June 12, the family marked 10 days since Phillips' disappearance, noting search efforts had become difficult because of the weather.
"Due to ongoing severe weather conditions in Costa Rica, the search efforts have been temporarily paused," the family wrote in a GoFundMe. "However, the search is expected to resume once conditions improve and the drier season begins."
Two people rock climb over a waterfall in a Costa Rica rainforest. (iStock)
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Costa Rica is currently under a nationwide green alert as authorities warn of heavier rains, saturated soils and a growing risk of flooding and landslides across several regions.
On June 4, the National Emergency Commission declared the alert for the entire country with unstable weather expected to continue for the next couple of weeks.
Ashley Phillips' family and friends set up a GoFundMe for the 30-year-old California woman after she disappeared while going hiking in Costa Rica on June 2. (GoFundMe)
While they continue to wait, Phillips' loved ones are finding ways to honor her.
"As her family reflects on Ashley’s life, they are finding ways to honor her, especially her deep love for animals," the family wrote in the update.
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"We continue to ask for your prayers for Ashley, for her family, and for peace, strength, and closure during this time," the family wrote. "Thank you all so much."
https://www.foxnews.com/us/american-hiker-vanishes-tropical-trek-flash-floods-mudslides-turn-jungle-getaway-desperate-search