Woman fell into Pierce County river while hiking. Crews recovered her body Friday
A body found in Pierce County’s Carbon River on Friday morning has been identified as 28-year-old Zuleika Witron, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
A volunteer drone operator in the area found a woman’s body in the river and reported it to 911 at about 8:15 a.m, Pierce County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman deputy Carly Cappetto told The News Tribune.
“Central Pierce Fire, Orting Swift Water and Pierce County Sheriff Swift Water responded with a rope team and boat to recover the female. Several family members remained on scene while the recovery efforts progressed,” she said.
The woman was taken out of the river after an hour, and her family identified her as Witron.
The recovery came after an almost week-long search that started when Witron’s dog fell into the river and she went after the dog. Witron had been hiking with her girlfriend in the area near the Fairfax Bridge. Her girlfriend tried to grab her but was not able to as the current swept them away, The News Tribune reported.
Witron’s dog was found downstream by search-and-rescue teams and returned to her family, the story reported. On Monday, the search turned into a recovery mission.
Pierce County Sheriff’s Office search-and-rescue crews, drone teams, fire department ropes teams and boat resources along with the Coast Guard were part of the recovery mission, the story said. Crews were met with the rough terrain, dangerous weather conditions and limited visibility.
“We want to thank all the first responders and volunteers that put many hours into this search since Sunday. Zuleika’s recovery can hopefully bring closure and peace to the family and all involved in this tragic incident,” Cappetto said.
This story was originally published March 28, 2025 at 9:27 AM.
