The search for a personal trainer who mysteriously disappeared after leaving her South Carolina gym ended in tragedy on Wednesday when authorities found a body in a wooded area.
Elena Katherine Moore, 39, disappeared after she checked in at the Planet Fitness in Lexington, about 20 minutes outside of Columbia, last Thursday.
On Wednesday, nearly one week later, police in Lexington said they received a report that someone had spotted Moore walking toward the woods near Lakeside Middle School, just a little over one mile from where original reports said Moore was last seen, The State reports.
Authorities then began scouring the area in the afternoon, and at 2.48pm officers found a body wearing the same clothing Moore was last seen in.
The Lexington County Coroner is now working to confirm the remains are those of Moore.
A cause of death has not yet been released, and Police Chief Terrence Green would not confirm on Wednesday whether foul play is suspected in her death.
'It's an active investigation and we are having [the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division] investigate that,' he said at a news conference in which he announced the heartbreaking discovery, according to NBC News.
A body has been found in the search for 39-year-old personal trainer Elena Katherine Moore
Moore was last seen checking in at the Planet Fitness in Lexington, South Carolina wearing an olive-green zip-up hoodie with black athletic pants. The body that was found was wearing clothing matching that description
Moore was reported missing by her husband, Brannon Slice, 47, the following day
On the day of her disappearance, Moore signed in at the gym at approximately 6.40pm ET.
Gym surveillance footage showed her talking to the front desk staff wearing an olive-green zip-up hoodie with black athletic pants.
Then, she was last seen walking toward the wooded area behind the nearby Lowe's Home Improvement Store.
She was reported missing by her husband, Brannon Slice, 47, the following day, police said.
It now remains unclear what Moore may have been doing in the wooded area where the body was found.
'You don't just find people in the woods here,' resident Adriene Massey told WIS-TV. 'It's a safe town, safe place. It's very scary - how did she get there?'
Moore's friend, Justin Robertson, previously told the Daily Mail that she is a beloved member of their community.
'Elena is well loved amongst our community, she loves the outdoors, the lake, and has a passion for life. She stands firm in her beliefs whether it's the popular thing or not,' Robertson said.
Moore was well-known and 'well-loved' within the Lexington, South Carolina community
Another community member, Mendy Miller, echoed that sentiment following the discovery of a body.
'I cried. I'm devastated, My spirit is in an uproar, as is the entire community,' Miller said, remembering Moore as a 'well-liked, well-loved person.'
On social media, another friend memorialized Moore by saying she was 'vibrant and fun.'
'You will be so missed but remembered forever for your kindness, confidence, exuberance, smile and the fun and life you brought to every room, party, event or gym,' the friend wrote.
Meanwhile, Tiffany Maddox wrote that Moore's legacy could continue.
'As I sit in silence, devastated, heartbroken and struggling to find the right words, there is one thing I know for certain - Elena Moore has already left a lasting mark on our hearts, our community and far beyond,' she posted on Facebook Wednesday afternoon.
'But what [is] the most meaningful part of her legacy is what she inspired in all of us during those six days we searched tirelessly to bring her home.
'Day after day, thousands of people shared Elena's photo, posted updates, spread awareness and rallied together with a determination that showed the true strength of this community,' Maddox continued.
She was remembered for her kindness and for her 'vibrant and fun' personality
'Those who knew Elena know the kind of heart she had,' Maddox wrote. 'She cared deeply for others, and I truly believe she would want nothing more than for her story to become the reason another family finds their loved one.'
She then went on to say authorities were only able to locate the body 'because people refused to stop sharing her face, her story and their hope.
'While the outcome was not what any of us prayed for, our community came together in a powerful way. Now imagine the impact we could have if we carried that same energy forward for every missing person whose family is desperately searching for answers.'
Maddox then suggested the discovery of a body is not necessarily 'the end of something' but rather the beginning.
'Let Elena's legacy be one of compassion, action and community. Let her story remind us that a simple share, a post or a few moments of our time could make all the difference for someone searching for a son, daughter, sister, brother, parent or friend.
'If we continue to show up for others the way we showed up for Elena, her light will continue to shine through every life touched, every family helped and every loved one brought home,' Maddox concluded before addressing Moore herself.
'Fly home baby girl... you will forever be in our hearts, our memories and our town.'
