A 29-year-old woman who was reported missing in early April was found dead in Oregon nearly a month later, Harney County authorities said on May 3.
Kaylee Birt disappeared during a planned cross-country solo trip to Iowa. She was last seen on April 4 at The Fields Station in Fields, Ore. Two days later, her gold 2008 Chevy Malibu was discovered abandoned in a remote part of Harney County.
Search and rescue teams looked for her for seven days by “air, ground, UTV, drone, foot and horseback.” But the authority-led search efforts ended on Thursday, April 10. Her body was discovered over three weeks later by volunteer search teams, the Harney County Sheriff’s Office (HSCO) said in a statement.
Her family has been notified. No additional information about her death has been released.
“We would like to express our deep appreciation to the dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly to find Kaylee,” the HCSO said.
The Facebook page “Find Kaylee Birt,” which provided search updates, invited her friends and family to share their experiences with her.
“I met Kaylee in Peru. She could always light up a room. You knew as long as Kaylee was there you would never feel alone. She was truly one of a kind and her laugh was too,” one friend wrote on Facebook.
“Grew up with Kaylee from kindergarten until freshman year. We were the best of buds as kids and had such a fun group of girls growing up in Essex. Will always remember our sleepovers,” another friend wrote. “Kaylee was a sweet soul that won’t be forgotten. Thinking of you all 🩷.”
“She was spunky, strong, hilarious, super creative, and a light in this world. She will be missed by not just those who knew her well but all if those who got the chance to meet her,” read another tribute to Birt.
“Kaylee’s sparkle was infectious. I feel so grateful to have witnessed it,” one friend wrote. “Her laughter, spunk, silliness, her beautiful curly hair & her amazing dance moves. She was genuine & fun! Every memory of her is a treasure for her family & friends. I’m sending all my love to each one of you.”