Former Army sergeant's body recovered from Carbon River, days after being swept away

The tragic recovery of former U. S. Army sergeant Zuleika Witron's body from the Carbon River marks a somber conclusion to a week-long search. Witron was swept away by the river during stormy weather while exploring the banks with her girlfriend and dogs. A civilian operating a drone spotted her body, leading to the confirmation by the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office.

The search efforts were severely hampered by the river's treacherous terrain, compelling authorities to shift from a rescue mission to recovery. Witron's sister expressed a bittersweet relief at finding her sister, allowing the family to say their final goodbyes. The community rallied in support, with hundreds of volunteers joining the search and sharing tips on social media. Witron, a 28-year-old Army medic, served six years and was stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Her untimely death serves as a reminder of the dangers presented by natural environments, especially in adverse weather conditions.