BARNSTEAD — A large-scale search operation led by the New Hampshire Fish and Game’s Law Enforcement Division on March 16 resulted in the discovery of a body presumed to be Ashely Turcotte, 33, who has been missing since Jan. 4.
Approximately 70 volunteers from the Pemi Valley Search and Rescue, Lakes Region Search and Rescue, New England K9, and the New Hampshire National Guard’s newly formed volunteer search and rescue team joined conservation officers early in the morning.
The search began around 8:30 a.m., with teams conducting systematic line searches across designated areas.
The breakthrough came shortly before 11 a.m. when a team including members of the New Hampshire National Guard and Conservation Officers located a deceased body.
The body was found about half a mile from where Turcotte’s vehicle had been discovered on the day of her disappearance.
While the identity of the body has not been officially confirmed, officials believe it to be that of the missing woman.
The search and recovery effort received support from the Barnstead Fire Department, Belknap County Sheriff’s Department, New Hampshire Red Cross, and Barnstead Police Department.
Officials have extended their gratitude to the Barnstead community for their cooperation and assistance during the search operations.
