Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
The body of Danit Ehrlich, a 33-year-old nurse, was found in the Clark Fork River in Montana after more than a week of searches, police in Missoula said. Authorities said there was no suspicion of foul play.
According to the website Anash, Ehrlich was last seen at a park in Missoula about 10 days ago on a Friday. After losing contact with her, rescue teams, including members of the local Jewish search and rescue organization Matzil, were deployed to the area. Helicopter crews scanned the terrain, and divers searched the river. On Sunday, a person spotted a body in the river and alerted local authorities, who confirmed on Monday that it was Ehrlich.
2דנית ארליך. נפלה לנהרדנית ארליך. נפלה לנהר
Danit Ehrlich (Photo: Missoula Police)
CBS reported that her father, Simon Ehrlich, believes she fell into the freezing water while trying to save her dog, Bamba."We have her last steps in the snow with the steps of the dog," he said. "We as parents, we are not surprised that she just jumped in. She didn't even think twice. That's my dog. That's my baby," Simon added.
"Her dog was her life," said Simon, who moved with his family from Florida to Colorado. "They traveled together, they hiked together." The dog has not been found.
Get the Ynetnews app on your smartphone: Google Play: https://bit.ly/4eJ37pE | Apple App Store: https://bit.ly/3ZL7iNv
Kora Spielman, a close friend of Ehrlich, told a local TV station that Ehrlich had likely gone to a dog park near the river. Spielman described her as someone who appreciated the small joys of life and had a deep love for mountainous regions. "She wasn’t a Miami girl; she was truly a mountain girl," Spielman said.
2הכלב של ארליך, טרם נמצאהכלב של ארליך, טרם נמצא
Bamba the dog hasn't been found yet (Photo: Missoula Police)
The Matzil organization said in a staetment: "We regret to inform you that the body of Danit Ehrlich has been recovered. Though this is a sad outcome, we are grateful that the search for Danit Ehrlich has come to a conclusion, bringing much-needed closure to her family and loved ones."
"We extend our deepest appreciation to the agencies and individuals who dedicated their time and resources to this effort, including the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office, Missoula County Search and Rescue, City of Missoula Police Department, Missoula Fire Department, Chabad Missoula, and Rabbi Wolf from Chabad in Florida (Beit David Highland Lakes). Their professionalism, commitment, and tireless work have been truly commendable."
"Our thoughts and prayers remain with Danit’s family, and we hope they find comfort and strength in the support of their community."